HC Deb 19 December 2000 vol 360 c164W
39. Mr. Dismore

To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department, if she will make a statement on the cost and usage of judges' lodgings. [141603]

Jane Kennedy

As my hon. Friend is aware, an internal review of judges lodgings is currently taking place which encompasses both cost and usage. It will:

  1. 1. review the current location of lodgings, bearing in mind their degree of use and the maximum acceptable travelling times to the Court Centres they serve;
  2. 2. compare the value for money provided by lodgings (including past and future capital, running, incidental and opportunity costs) with alternative forms of accommodation providing appropriate standards of security, privacy and comfort (including necessary provision for out-of-court work);
  3. 3. make recommendations concerning the most cost-effective means of managing and staffing lodgings.

The Lord Chancellor has already begun consultation with the Judiciary on the review. When he makes his decisions, which will be as soon as possible, he will publish them along with the review.