Skip to main content

Written question asked by Lord Beecham (Labour) on Wednesday, 7 December 2016, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 21 December 2016. It was answered by Lord Keen of Elie (Conservative) on Wednesday, 21 December 2016 on behalf of the Ministry of Justice.


Magistrates' Courts: North East

Question

To ask Her Majesty’s Government what consultations have taken place about the decision that only trials will be heard at Newcastle Magistrates Court, with domestic violence and weekday remands being heard at Bedlington Magistrates Court, some road traffic accident cases at Gateshead Magistrates Court, and all other new cases being heard at North Shields Magistrates Court; what consideration has been given to the cost and time impact on parties, witnesses and legal representatives of relocating hearings between those four courts; and what is the estimated saving to HM Courts and Tribunal service of the changes in venue.

Answer

No decision has been made to alter the current listing patterns in Northumbria. The Northumbria Judicial Business Group will consider proposals for changes at their next meeting on 5th January 2017 following which there will be full engagement and consultation with local practitioners in respect of any proposed changes and their impact on court users.


Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
HL3931
Session
2016-17
Subjects
Cost effectiveness Magistrates' courts Tyne and Wear Northumberland
Contains statistics
Yes
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk