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 he will make it his policy to encourage magistrates to meet honourable Members who serve courts in their constituency.

Answer: Mr. Allen: To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Department for Constitutional Affairs if he will make it his policy to encourage magistrates to meet hon. Members who serve courts in their constituency. [196212] Mr. Leslie: Hon. Members can meet with magistrates to discuss the general concerns of their constituency, where both parties are content. In order to preserve judicial independence, magistrates should not be asked to discuss individual cases.

Secondary information