§ Mr. Barry JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales what discussions he has had with the Lord Chancellor's Department concerning the future of rural magistrates courts; and if he will make a statement. [124426]
§ Mr. Paul MurphyI have had no such discussions with the Lord Chancellor.
The Government consider that magistrates courts are best managed locally by magistrates courts committees under the provision of the Justices of the Peace Act 1997. Decisions concerning the future of magistrates courts in Wales, whether rural or urban, are for the relevant magistrates courts committee to determine, in consultation with the paying authority or authorities.