§ Mr. KempTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to establish courts dedicated to dealing with cases of domestic violence in the north-east of England. [87680]
§ Mr. VazI have been asked to reply.
382WThe listing of cases is the responsibility of each of the courts in the area. The magistrates court in Leeds has recently started an experimental project using one courtroom on one afternoon each week exclusively to hear cases of domestic violence. This will ensure that those with the necessary expertise will be available to deal with these cases. HALT, the local voluntary agency supported by National Lottery funding, and the Probation Service will have a representative in court.