§ Mr. Alex CarlileTo ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department if he will list the number of magistrates courts in operation in Wales, indicating(a) the number of cases heard by each court, (b) the cost of providing the service and (c) the catchment area served by population and maximum travel distance, on 31 December for each of the last five years; and if he will make a statement. [12866]
§ Mr. StreeterThe information requested is not collected centrally and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.
On 14 October 1996, Official Report, columns 655–56, in answer to a question from the hon. Member for Pembroke (Mr. Ainger), I said that there were 63 magistrates courts in Wales. Researches for this question have revealed that the correct number is 57. I have written to the hon. Member to set the record straight and have placed a copy of the letter in the library.