Written question asked by Robert Marshall-Andrews (Labour) on Wednesday, 27 January 1999, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 3 February 1999. It was answered by Geoffrey Hoon (Labour) on Wednesday, 3 February 1999 on behalf of the Lord Chancellor's Department.

Lord Chancellors Dept

Question: To ask the Minister of State, Lord Chancellor's Department, what action has been taken by (a) his Department and (b) HM Magistrates Courts Service Inspectorate from January 1996 to date in respect of reported incidents of fraud or gross mismanagement in relation to payments by or funding of magistrates' courts committees.

Answer: Mr. Marshall-Andrews: To ask the Minister of State, Lord Chancellor's Department what action has been taken by (a) his Department and (b) HM Magistrates Courts Service Inspectorate from January 1996 to date in respect of reported incidents of fraud or gross mismanagement in relation to payments by or funding of magistrates' courts committees. [68720] Mr. Hoon: Two incidents have arisen since 1 January 1996. The first was investigated by the Department's Internal Audit Division but was resolved without the Department having to take action. The second has not yet been resolved. There have been exchanges between the Department, the Inspectorate, the Magistrates Courts Committee and the paying authority and advice has been given and recommendations made. What further action is needed will depend on decisions by the Magistrates Courts Committee and the paying authority in the light of legal advice they have taken.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 68720; 324 c656W
Session: 1998-99
Subjects: Committees Fraud Finance Maladministration Payments Lord Chancellor's Department Magistrates' courts Magistrates' courts committees Magistrates' Courts Service Inspectorate