Criminal Justice Policy

HC Deb 04 February 2002 vol 379 c708W

Mr. George Howarth

To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department, what proposals he has for the reform of criminal justice policy. [32053]

Mr. Wills

The period of comment on Sir Robin Auld's report "Review of the Criminal Courts" closed on 31 January. The Government are now considering the recommendations in detail, including assessments of costs and benefits, and of comments received. The Government will announce their conclusions by way of a White Paper in the spring.

Mr. Liddell-Grainger

To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what estimates his Department has made of the costs of the proposals by Lord Justice Auld for reorganisation of the criminal courts in England and Wales; and if he will make a statement. [32715]

Mr. Wills

The Government have taken no decisions on Sir Robin Auld's review report. The period of comment closed on 31 January. The Government are now considering the recommendations in detail, including assessments of costs and benefits. The Government will announce their conclusions by way of a White Paper in the spring.