§ Lord Phillips of Sudburyasked Her Majesty's Government:
How many county and magistrates' courts in England and Wales have been closed in the last five calendar years (including 1999); and how many such courts are under consideration for closure, [HL4281]
§ The Lord Chancellor (Lord Irvine of Lairg)Eighty magistrates' courthouses have closed in the last five calendar years. There are appeals against proposals to close another seven courthouses.
Thirty-four county courts have been closed within the last five calendar years. I have given approval for one additional court closure this year and two next year. Public consultation has been authorised for closure proposals on a further seven courts.