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Debate between Jim Hood and Guy Opperman(14 years, 4 months ago)
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Guy Opperman (Hexham) (Con)
Hexham constituency used to have three magistrates courts and now we have only one. We are the second biggest constituency in England and, if Tynedale magistrates court goes, an area well in excess of 1,150 square miles will have no magistrates court whatsoever. I have great sympathy with the hon. Member for Dwyfor Meirionnydd (Mr Llwyd), whose position is similar to mine. As a former practising member of the Bar I find the idea that that would work on a regular basis astonishing.
Mr Jim Hood (in the Chair)
Order. For his two minutes the hon. Gentleman should face the Chair.