Rural Magistrates Courts

Part of Oral Answers to Questions — Home Department – in the House of Commons at 12:00 am on 7 November 1991.

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Photo of Mr Ieuan Wyn Jones Mr Ieuan Wyn Jones , Ynys Môn 12:00, 7 November 1991

What guidelines does the Home Department give to magistrates courts committees on how they should approach the closure and amalgamation of rural magistrates courts? I am sure that the Minister will be aware—representing a rural area, as I also do—that there is considerable concern about closures and amalgamations that lead to both defendants and witnesses having to travel vast distances. Does he agree that access to justice is more important than administrative convenience?