Written question asked by Graham Allen (Labour) on Monday, 1 November 2004, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 8 November 2004. It was answered by Chris Leslie (Labour) on Monday, 8 November 2004 on behalf of the Department for Constitutional Affairs.

Dept for Constitutional Affairs

Question: To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Department for Constitutional Affairs, if Ministers in the Department will make it their policy to encourage magistrates to meet tenants' leaders, neighbourhood watch co-ordinators and other community leaders in the areas they serve; and if he will make a statement.

Answer: Mr. Allen: To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Department for Constitutional Affairs if Ministers in the Department will make it their policy to encourage magistrates to meet tenants' leaders, neighbourhood watch co-ordinators and other community leaders in the areas they serve; and if he will make a statement. [196211] Mr. Leslie: There are existing and successful programmes in operation so that magistrates can engage with their local communities, such as "Magistrates in the Community" which aims to raise awareness of the magistracy and its work. The Secretary of State has commissioned a programme entitled "Supporting Magistrates to Provide Justice". This initiative will be seeking input from all those who work within, and with, the magistrates courts. Ideas from here will be fed through to the very good work that is already being carried out under the Magistrates in the Community Programme, and further foster community links. Further announcements in relation to this initiative will be made in due course. In addition, the Courts Boards that are being established will provide another means of engaging with representatives of the local community.

Secondary information