HC Deb 04 February 2002 vol 379 cc708-9W
Mr. George Howarth

To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what his budget for the magistrates courts was on Merseyside in each year since 1992–93. [32052]

Mr. Wills

The Lord Chancellor's Department provides separate grants for revenue and capital (buildings and IT) to local authorities for magistrates courts costs. Grant is paid at 80 per cent. of expenditure, with the remaining 20 per cent. met by local authorities.

The total budget (revenue and capital in 100 per cent. terms) for magistrates courts in Merseyside by financial year is:

Year £ million
1992–93 9.62
1993–94 9.55
1994–95 10.25
1995–96 9.61

Year £ million
1996–97 9.77
1997–98 10.04
1998–99 10.48
1999–2000 10.73
2000–01 10.92
2001–02 12.72
2002–03 11.28

Merseyside magistrates courts committee was formed by the amalgamation of five separate committees in April 1999. The cost figures for years before 1999–2000 are aggregates of the budgets of the five committees which then existed in Merseyside.

Mr. George Howarth

To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what recent representations he has received about the operation of magistrates courts on Merseyside. [32051]

Mr. Wills

I have received no representations about the operation of the magistrates courts on Merseyside.