§ Baroness Byfordasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether rationalisation of magistrates' courts might be better accomplished by closing some courts in towns and cities and retaining others in surrounding rural areas to reduce the travel problems of rural dwellers while allowing public transport from areas of concentrated population. [HL323]
§ The Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department (Baroness Scotland of Asthall)Magistrates' courts committees (MCCs) are responsible for the efficient and effective administration of magistrates' courts in their area, including their location.
The Countryside Agency's rural proofing checklist was sent to all 42 MCCs in May 2001, with the emphasis that rural proofing should be demonstrated when undertaking any accommodation or service review.