Oral Answers to Questions

Anne Main Excerpts

Tuesday 22nd May 2012 Commons Chamber

[The Attorney-General]

Yes. As the hon. Gentleman might be aware, a consultation is taking place. An informal consultation procedure has now ended and a formal consultation procedure on any final decision on Athena house will follow. The argument for relocating a large part of the casework units to Leeds, in my judgment, cannot be argued against because, with the reduction in numbers resulting from the savings that have to be made, maintaining critical mass and having a regional hub makes sense, but I would like to reassure him that the need to maintain a presence in York is also accepted, because of its importance as the headquarters of North Yorkshire.

[Mrs Anne Main (St Albans) (Con)]

rose—

[Mr Speaker]

Order. If the hon. Lady’s intended supplementary question refers to York, it will be in order. If it does not, it will not.

[Mrs Main]

Staffing numbers are a huge concern in the CPS. Will the Solicitor-General meet me to discuss what impact that might have had on the case of Mrs Swarnapali Timmann, who is concerned—

[Mr Speaker]

Order. Does the question relate to York or other locations in York?

[Mrs Main]

It may do.

[Mr Speaker]

And it may not. The hon. Lady has got her point on the record, but it requires no answer. [Laughter.] I am glad that the House is in such a good mood.