§ 35. Mr. SoamesTo ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what plans he has for the reorganisation of magistrates courts in West Sussex. [7536]
§ 38. Mr. Bill O'BrienTo ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department if he will make a statement on his Department's criteria relating to the merger of magistrates courts. [7540]
§ Mr. HoonMagistrates courts are locally managed by magistrates courts committees under the provisions of the Justices of the Peace Act 1997. Decisions concerning the future and number of magistrates courts in their area for the relevant MCCs to determine. A local authority that contributes financially may appeal to the Lord Chancellor against a proposed closure. The procedure for such appeals is set out in section 56 of the Justices of the Peace Act 1997. Accordingly, as with any appellate authority, each case is dealt with on its merits.
403WIn the absence of an appeal, however, the Lord Chancellor plays no part in the process.
§ Mr. BurnsTo ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department if he will make a statement on the number of magistrates courts in the county of Essex. [7533]
§ Mr. HoonThere are 13 court houses and 13 petty sessional divisions in Essex. Decisions concerning the future and number of magistrates courts in the area are for the relevant magistrates courts committees to determine. Essex MCC has issued a consultation document to magistrates and to the paying authority to review the arrangement of petty sessional divisions in the county.