HC Deb 12 March 1968 vol 760 cc278-9W
Mr. Harry Howarth

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) if he is satisfied that the administration of justice in the Middlesex Area of Greater London is efficient within the present boundaries of the Petty Sessional Divisions; and if he will make a statement;

(2) for what reason he has directed the Middlesex Area Magistrates' Courts Committee to review the boundaries of the Petty Sessional Divisions; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Taverne

My right hon. Friend has no reason to think that the magistrates' courts in the Middlesex Area of Greater London do not administer justice efficiently. He decided to order a revision of the petty sessional boundaries to bring them more into line with those of the London boroughs because he considers this would have advantages for the public, the police and the borough authorities and would, in particular, enable better use to be made of the resources available for the court building programme.