§ Mr. Allen Adamsasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he intends in the near future to review the powers of justice of the peace courts.
§ Mr. John MacKayJustice of the peace courts were replaced in 1975 by district courts. The Government have no plans to undertake a specific review of the powers of the district courts in the near future; but their powers and jurisdiction are kept under review and have been increased or extended in recent years under the Criminal Justice (Scotland) Act 1980, the Transport Act 1982 and the Increase of Criminal Penalties etc. (Scotland) Order 1984.