HC Deb 11 June 2002 vol 386 c1191W
41. Andy Burnham

To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what action the Lord Chancellor's Department will take to facilitate the extension of court sitting hours in selected areas to deal with street crime; and if she will make a statement. [57421]

Yvette Cooper

Extended court hours are currently being piloted in certain Magistrates courts in areas of high street crime, in London and Manchester. On completion of the four month pilot period at the end of September we will assess whether such an approach is a cost-effective means of reducing delays and best serves the needs of victims and witnesses, and in the light of that assessment will consider its possible extension to other criminal courts.

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