Written question asked by Paul Farrelly (Labour) on Thursday, 11 November 2004, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 17 November 2004. It was answered by Chris Leslie (Labour) on Wednesday, 17 November 2004 on behalf of the Department for Constitutional Affairs.

Dept for Constitutional Affairs

Question: To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Department for Constitutional Affairs, what discussions are taking place to safeguard the future of the magistrates' court in Newcastle-under-Lyme.

Answer: Paul Farrelly: To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Department for Constitutional Affairs what discussions are taking place to safeguard the future of the magistrates court in Newcastle-under-Lyme. [198609] Mr. Leslie: The future of Newcastle-under-Lyme magistrates court has been the subject of a detailed consultation by the Staffordshire Magistrates' Courts Committee (MCC). On 29 October 2003, the MCC determined that the Courthouse should be closed when a new Courthouse is established to serve the whole of North Staffordshire. The Staffordshire county council lodged an appeal against the determination on 21 November 2003, and discussions are currently ongoing, between the Staffordshire county council, the Stoke-on-Trent city council, my Department and the MCC with the view to considering suitable alternative sites for a new replacement Courthouse.

Secondary information