HC Deb 25 April 1995 vol 258 cc522-4W
Mr. Sheerman

To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what guidelines his Department has issued to magistrates courts committee regarding mergers of magistrates courts. [19734]

Mr. John M. Taylor

Guidance on the objectives which underlie amalgamation of magistrates courts committees is contained in the Lord Chancellor's speech of 10 February to the Magistrates Association, a copy of which has been placed in the Library of both Houses. My officials are discussing the mechanics of amalgamation individually with those committees currently contemplating amalgamation.

Mr. Sheerman

To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what steps he is taking to promote the delivery of local justice and the traditional role of magistrates courts. [19735]

Mr. John M. Taylor

The Police and Magistrates' Courts Act 1994 strengthens and enhances the magistrates courts through its commitment to efficient and effective administration. For the first time, the powers and responsibilities of the various components of the administration of the magistrates courts are clearly enshrined in statute and the Department is working in partnership with the courts in the development of training specific to the needs of the magistracy and court staff. The role of the independent inspectorate in improving performance and disseminating good practice, and in assisting in raising service standards in line with the citizens charter cannot be underplayed. The courts will continue to be locally based and reflect the local community.

Mr. Sheerman

To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what representations he has received about proposals to merge magistrates courts. [19736]

Mr. John M. Taylor

The Lord Chancellor is currently considering a formal request, under section 69 of the Police and Magistrates' Courts Act 1994, to amalgamate two magistrates courts committees on a voluntary basis. Informal discussions have also taken place with representatives of several magistrates courts committees. Those discussions have explored both the question of amalgamation and alternatives to it which achieve the same objectives. These discussions are continuing, and in order to pay proper respect to local sensitivities I do not propose to publicise those discussions until formal decisions have been made.

Mr. Sheerman

To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what assessment he has made of the effects of magistrates courts committee mergers on the independence of the magistracy. [19737]

Mr. John M. Taylor

The amalgamation of magistrates courts committees will have no effect on the independence of the magistracy. The day-to-day administration of the magistrates courts in an amalgamated area will remain in the hands of a committee made up mostly, if not entirely, of magistrates. Section 30A of the Justice of the Peace Act 1979 provides added protection of the independence of justices' clerks and the staff of committees in relation to legal functions.