HC Deb 12 December 2001 vol 376 cc913-4W
Mr. Hurst

To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what proposals he has to facilitate geographic access to magistrates courts in the county of Essex. [R] [21752]

Mr. Wills

I have no proposals in respect of geographic access to magistrates courts in Essex. It is the Government's policy that decisions concerning the number, location and future of magistrates courts in Essex, as with each of the 42 magistrates courts committee areas, are for the local courts committee to determine, in consultation with its local paying authority or authorities.

Mr. Hurst

To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department if he will make a statement on the future of Witham magistrates court. [R] [21751]

Mr. Wills

I am not aware of any agreed plans that the Essex magistrates courts committee may have in respect of the Witham magistrates court.