§ Mr. George HowarthTo ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department how many cases were handled by the Courts Service for each year since 1992. [33354]
§ Mr. WillsInformation concerning the number of cases dealt with in the criminal and civil courts under the administration of the Lord Chancellor's Department, 1992 to 1994, and then the Court Service, 1995 to 2000, are published annually in the departmental annual report "Judicial Statistics". Copies of the publication can be found in the Libraries of the House.
§ Mr. George HowarthTo ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what his policy is on the reorganisation of the Courts Service. [32403]
§ Mr. WillsI refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave him on 4 February 2001,Official Report, column 712W, to his question number 32053. The Government are considering the recommendations in Sir Robin Auld's report and intend to publish a White Paper in the spring.
The Court Service as an executive agency of the Department is currently undergoing a quinquennial review. That report will also be published in the spring and its recommendations will be carefully considered by the Department.