Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between George Freeman and Jonathan Djanogly

Tuesday 13th March 2012 Commons Chamber

[Mr Djanogly]

I can assure you, Mr Speaker, that we have not kicked the matter into the long grass. It is a judicial investigation and it must take its course.

[George Freeman (Mid Norfolk) (Con)]

T10. Last year, the Government found it necessary to close several smaller courts because of low utilisation rates, particularly in rural areas such as Norfolk. Will the Minister update the House on the effect of those closures on court efficiency in the remaining courts?

[Mr Djanogly]

The efficiency of the courts is being improved because of the closures. We have now closed 130 of the 142 that were on the closure list. In all cases, the closures have gone very well and magistrates have all transferred to local, surrounding courts.