HC Deb 03 April 2000 vol 347 cc363-4W
Mr. Sheerman

To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department, what steps he is taking to ensure that justices of the peace are properly valued in the criminal justice system. [R] [116971]

Jane Kennedy

More than 95 per cent. of criminal cases begin and end in the Magistrates courts. They also deal with many family, civil and licensing matters. Magistrates courts play a key role in our system of justice. I and my colleagues take every opportunity to make it clear publicly how much we value the work of Justices of the Peace. Their voluntary contribution to civic life is much appreciated by this Government. They put great time and effort into their judicial duties, in their own time and without any remuneration.

Mr. Sheerman

To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what recent research his Department has commissioned into the level of truthfulness and accuracy of financial statements of personal circumstances provided by those who have been found guilty in magistrates' courts. [116943]

Jane Kennedy

None.

Mr. Sheerman

To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what action his Department takes to ensure that magistrates' courts provide facilities for magistrates that are of a high standard. [R] [116942]

Jane Kennedy

The Lord Chancellor's Department has issued guidance to Magistrates Courts Committees and local authorities on the type of facilities it is expected should be provided in new or refurbished court buildings. Provision of such facilities is a matter for the Magistrates Courts Committee and local authority.

Mr. Sheerman

To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what steps he is taking to ensure that magistrates courts check the financial details provided by defendants. [116941]

Jane Kennedy

Magistrates Courts Sentencing Guidelines shortly to be produced by the Magistrates' Association, with the support of the Lord Chancellor, are expected to remind magistrates that section 18 of the Criminal Justice Act 1991 requires courts to look into the financial circumstances of the offender before fixing the amount of a fine. If magistrates are not satisfied with the information available, they are able to adjourn the case for further information to be given.