§ Mr. CoxTo ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what is the expected cost of the reorganisation of the outer London magistrates court system as proposed in Cm. 1829, "A New Framework for Local Justice"; and if he will make a statement.
Mr. John TaylorWe have not yet formulated proposals on the future organisation of the magistrates courts in outer London. We are at present consulting the service on the options and issues. The cost of reorganisation will depend on the option for change which is selected. Any additional costs arising out of reorganisation will be recovered through the structural improvements made by the changes and by efficiency savings.
§ Mr. CoxTo ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department if he will publish his proposals for the reorganisation of the outer London magistrates courts by the end of February; and if he will make a statement.
Mr. John TaylorWe have recently issued a consultation paper about the future organisation of the magistrates courts service in London. Responses are required by 31 May. The Lord Chancellor and I will give careful consideration to the views of those in the service in London before reaching any decisions about its future.