HC Deb 08 December 2003 vol 415 cc352-3W
Tim Loughton

To ask the Parliamentary Under Secretary of State, Department for Constitutional Affairs what guidance has been issued to magistrates on dealing with cases of illegal meat imports. [140992]

Mr. Leslie

My Department has issued no guidance to magistrates' on dealing with cases of illegal meat imports. However, on 3 November 2002, the Magistrates' Association made available on it's website a document entitled "Costing the Earth", which included guidance for sentencers and a case study on illegal meat imports. The Judicial Studies Board has been asked, in consultation with the Magistrates' Association and the Justices' Clerks Society, to consider this matter.

Tim Loughton

To ask the Parliamentary Under Secretary of State, Department for Constitutional Affairs what guidance is available to clerks of court on dealing with cases involving illegal meat imports. [140993]

Mr. Leslie

My Department has issued no guidance to court clerks on dealing with cases of illegal meat imports. The Justices' Clerks Society has been asked, in consultation with the Judicial Studies Board and the Magistrates' Association, to consider this matter further.