HC Deb 06 March 2001 vol 364 cc208-9W
33. Mr. Prior

To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what estimate she has made of the effects of the European convention on human rights on the operation of magistrates courts in England and Wales. [150769]

Jane Kennedy

My Department will shortly publish an update on the early impact of the European Convention on Human Rights on all courts and tribunals for which the Department is responsible.

Data provided by the magistrates courts in the period October to December 2000 show that there has been no significant impact so far on the operation of the magistrates courts as a result of the ECHR.

36. Mr. Shepherd

To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department if she will make a statement on protecting local magistrates courts from closure. [150772]

Jane Kennedy

It is the Government's policy that decisions on the number and location of magistrates courts is best made by the local Magistrates Courts Committee.

38. Mr. Bercow

To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what recent assessment she has made of the compatibility of the operation of magistrates courts in England and Wales with the provisions of the European convention on human rights. [150774]

Jane Kennedy

The responsibility for ensuring that magistrates courts meet the requirements of the Convention lies with the Magistrates Courts Committees in consultation with local paying authorities. The Lord Chancellor's Department has encouraged the Magistrates Courts Committees to review their courts in the light of the Convention.

Data provided by the magistrates courts in the period October to December 2000 show that there has been no significant impact so far on the operation of the magistrates courts as a result of the ECHR.