HL Deb 09 March 1971 vol 316 cc53-4WA
LORD GARDINER

asked Her Majesty's Government:

When they will decide whether the responsibility for the provision and maintenance of magistrates' courts buildings and their administration should be transferred to the Lord Chancellor on behalf of the Government.

THE LORD CHANCELLOR

The need to carry through as rapidly as possible the reorganisation of the higher courts has inevitably held up decisions on future responsibility for the magistrates' courts. But the Government are pressing on with their review of the problem although it is not yet possible to say when a decision will be reached.