Magistrates Courts (Hansard, 26 June 1992)

§ Mr. Blunkett
To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what representations he has received about the rate at which magistrates courts are able to deal with poll tax enforcement cases.

Mr. John M. Taylor
I have received a small number of representations from local authorities.

§ Mr. Blunkett
To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what estimate he has made of the income to be raised from local authorities for fees in relation to community charge under the Magistrates Courts Fees (Amendment) Order 1992.

Mr. John M. Taylor
The current estimate is that fees from local authorities in relation to community charge enforcement proceedings in 1992–93 will yield £5.8 million.

§ Mr. Blunkett
To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department (1) if he will make a statement on the practice of some justices' clerks of requiring local authorities to pay cash in advance of hearings for fees under the Magistrates Courts Fees (Amendment) Order 1992;
(2) when he plans to issue guidance to justices' clerks and local authorities about the operation of the Magistrates Courts Fees (Amendment) Order 1992.

Mr. John M. Taylor
It is appropriate for a fee to be charged when the relevant application is made. It is the intention to issue guidelines shortly to justices clerks on this and other points on the 1992 order on which queries have been raised.