§ Mr. Laurence RobertsonTo ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department, (1) pursuant to the answer of 20 March 2002,Official Report, column 414W, if she will make a further statement on her plans to reform (a) criminal and (b) magistrates court; [60191]
(2) what plans she has to introduce a White Paper on the reform of (a) criminal and (b) magistrates courts; when she intends to publish that White Paper; and if she will make a statement. [60192]
§ Yvette CooperSir Robin Auld's Review of the Criminal Courts in England and Wales makes wide-ranging recommendations. The period for comment closed on 31 January. The Government have taken no decisions on the report and are now considering the recommendations in detail, taking account of the1192W comments received. The Government will announce their conclusions by way of a White Paper before the summer recess.
§ Mr. Laurence RobertsonTo ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what representations she has had from(a) magistrates and (b) magistrates courts committees, following her review of the criminal and magistrates courts system; and if she will a statement. [60193]
§ Yvette CooperWe have received nearly 500 responses. On behalf of(a) magistrates, we have received responses from over 60 individuals who identified themselves as magistrates; and (b) of the 42 magistrates courts committee areas representations have been received from 37 areas.