Courts Service Estate

Debate between Jonathan Djanogly and Julian Smith

Tuesday 14th December 2010 Commons Chamber

[Mr Djanogly]

Travel times were worked out by the Courts Service. The difficulty is that times will vary from one part of an hon. Member’s constituency to another, so it is the average times that have to be taken into account.

[Julian Smith (Skipton and Ripon) (Con)]

I thank the Minister for listening to my constituents in Skipton and the Yorkshire dales. Will he pay tribute to the campaign run by the local newspaper, the Craven Herald, which explained the devastating impact that the closure of the court in Skipton would have had in this most rural part of England?

[Mr Djanogly]

My hon. Friend spoke forcefully in an Adjournment debate and then met my officials and me. He made a persuasive case, and his local area made a persuasive case, and when we thought it about carefully we decided he was right that the court should stay open.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Jonathan Djanogly and Julian Smith

Tuesday 19th October 2010 Commons Chamber

[Julian Smith (Skipton and Ripon) (Con)]

T9. When can those opposed to the closure of Skipton court expect to hear a decision about it, and can the Minister reassure me that its unique rural case will be listened to carefully?

[Mr Djanogly]

My hon. Friend has made strong representations in support of the court, and they were well received. The decision will be taken shortly before the Christmas recess.