§ Mr. VazTo ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department how many courts he has closed since 7 June 2001. [46175]
§ Mr. WillsNo county court or Crown Court centre has been closed since this date.
Magistrates' courts committees are not statutorily required to inform the Lord Chancellor's Department of proposed courthouse closures which are not subject to an appeal by its paying authority or authorities.
It is the Government's policy that decisions concerning the number, location and future of magistrates' courts are for each magistrates' courts committee to determine, in consultation with its local paying authority or authorities. 11 magistrates' courthouses have been closed since 7 June 2001.