"A New Framework for Local Justice"

HC Deb 25 November 1993 vol 233 c99W

Mr. Tracey

To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what is his assessment of the costs of implementing the decisions under the White Paper, "A New Framework for Local Justice".

Mr. John M. Taylor

The cost of implementing the White Paper reforms will largely depend on decisions taken locally by magistrates courts committees. However, we estimate the cost of implementing the package of reforms to be in the region of £5 million. These transitional costs will be more than offset in due course through increased efficiency, but in the meantime the Government will ensure that the overall funding of the service takes account of any additional costs.