§ 41. Mr. BradyTo ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department if he will make a statement on the proposals to close county courts in England and Wales. [104971]
§ Jane KennedyThe Court Service constantly monitors and reviews the viability of its court network in the light of changing business needs and workload trends. This in turn will lead us to consider new ways of delivering civil justice which are not dependent on our present structure 181W of civil courts. In addition, it is necessary to ensure that the civil courts and their locations continue to meet local user needs.
The following criteria form part of the consideration given to potential county court closures: workload trends, the condition and availability of accommodation and facilities in the local area, judicial sittings and waiting times, together with analysis of court users' needs. Before consideration can be given to closure, at least one survey of court users is carried out. Proposals for closure are always subject to public consultation, authorised by the Lord Chancellor. The Lord Chancellor has authorised public consultation on closure proposals for the following courts: Aberdare, Caerphilly, Chepstow, Gravesend, Lichfield, Monmouth and Workington; and has approved closure of Grays Thurrock and Great Yarmouth to take effect from 31 January 2000.