§ Simon HughesTo ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department (1) what assessment he has made of the net change in the number of magistrates which would be needed to implement the creation of a new district division of a unified criminal court and associated changes as proposed in Lord Justice Auld's report "Review of the Criminal Courts"; and if he will make a statement; [28525]
(2) what assessment he has made of the net cost of establishing a new district division of a unified criminal court and associated changes as proposed in Lord Justice Auld's report "Review of the Criminal Courts"; if he will give a breakdown of available figures; and if he will make a statement. [28524]
§ Mr. WillsThe Government have taken no decisions on Sir Robin Auld's Review report. The period of comment closes on 31 January. The Government will then be considering the recommendations in detail, including assessments of costs, benefits, and associated factors such as the numbers of magistrates needed to implement them. The Government will announce their conclusions by way of a White Paper in the spring.