§ Mr. BradshawTo ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what recent representations he has received about the future of magistrates courts in Devon; and if he will make a statement. [114044]
§ Jane KennedyI have recently received 11 representations from hon. Members, justices of the peace and other local interested parties, following Devon and Cornwall magistrates courts committee's proposals to close 13 of its 25 courthouses.
The Government's policy is that magistrates courts in Devon are best managed by the local magistrates courts committee. Decisions concerning the number of magistrates courts in its area are for Devon and Cornwall magistrate courts committee to determine.