Written question asked by Keith Hill (Labour), in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 7 July 1997. It was answered by Geoffrey Hoon (Labour) on Monday, 7 July 1997 on behalf of the Lord Chancellor's Department.

Lord Chancellors Dept;Court Service

Question: How many county courts have been closed in each of the last five years. - Includes text of letter from Michael Huebner of Court Service and figures.

Answer: Mr. Hill: To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department how many county courts have been closed in each of the last five years. [6237] Mr. Hoon: The question concerns a matter which has been assigned to the Court Service under the terms of its framework document. I have therefore asked the Chief Executive to write to the hon. Member. Letter from Michael Huebner to Mr. Keith Hill, dated 7 July 1997: The Parliamentary Secretary of the Lord Chancellor's Department has asked me to reply to your Question about how many county courts have closed in each of the last five years. The figures are as follows: 1993: 5 court closures 1994: 16 court closures 1995: 8 court closures 1996: 13 court closures 1997: 2 court closures (to date). Although 44 courts have been closed in total, 15 of those still provide a service for office callers but have no hearing facilities. Additionally, 19 of the courts closed have undertaken to continue local District Judges sittings in suitable accommodation subject to demand.

Secondary information