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 Stuart Randall Mr Stuart Randall , Kingston upon Hull West 12:00, 7 November 1991

Is the Minister aware that the Opposition approve in principle of measures to enhance the cost effectiveness of our magistrates courts system? Is he also aware, however, that the Government's policy of strict cash limits can in some cases be seen as a blunt instrument whose use could result in closures of courts in many local communities? Will the Minister now tell the House how many local magistrates courts he estimates are likely to close as a result of the Government's new funding policy? Or has he not bothered to work it out?