HC Deb 05 February 2004 vol 417 cc1075-7W
Nick Harvey

To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Department for Constitutional Affairs what plans the Department has for the future of the Crown Court in Exeter; what impact he estimates this will have on the workings of the Crown Court in Barnstaple; and if he will make a statement. [152776]

Mr. Leslie

The Crown Court in Exeter is due to relocate to purpose built accommodation at the end of 2004. The new premises will provide additional courtroom capacity, which takes account of the projected workload for Exeter over the next 20 years.

The impact of the new Exeter Court on the Crown Court in Barnstaple will not be considered until the new Exeter Courts are fully operational. If, at that stage, it is thought appropriate to make any changes to the current arrangements consultation with all interested parties will take place. There is therefore no immediate impact on the Crown Court in Barnstaple.