Oral question asked in the House of Lords, by Lord Elystan-Morgan (Crossbench). It was answered on Monday, 29 June 2009.

Courts: Summary Jurisdiction

Question: My Lords, without in anyway detracting from the relevance of the point made by the noble Lord, Lord Carlile, is it not the case that part of the answer with regard to unnecessary delay in the administration of justice in magistrates’ courts lies with the need for a greater number of district judges sitting as stipendiaries? Will he give an undertaking that appointments will be made in such numbers, and for such places, as are necessary in the circumstances?

Answer: My Lords, we always do our best to ensure that there are sufficient district judges, other judges and of course magistrates to deal with the level of work that there is.

Secondary information