§ Mr. Kilfedderasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how the number of hours now being worked by resident magistrates and the staff of petty sessions courts in Belfast and Northern Ireland generally compare with the position in previous years, and with comparable courts in the rest of the United Kingdom.
§ Mr. David HowellIt is not possible to provide a statistical answer to the Question but it is known that resident magistrates and court staff in Belfast and certain other areas of Northern Ireland are working substantially longer hours than in previous years. Precise statistical information on the actual hours worked in comparable courts in the rest of the United Kingdom is not readily available.