Oral Answers to Questions

Kevin Foster Excerpts

Tuesday 8th September 2015 Commons Chamber

[Mr Raab]

We are very mindful of the issues relating to a Bill of Rights in Northern Ireland. We will be consulting widely, including with Northern Ireland politicians, and will be very sensitive to ensure that we do nothing that would have a disruptive effect in the region.

[Kevin Foster (Torbay) (Con)]

3. What assessment he has made of the effect of the closure of Torquay magistrates court on witnesses and other court users.

[The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Justice (Mr Shailesh Vara)]

No decision has been taken to close Torquay magistrates court. A full assessment of the potential impact will be made once the consultation closes and responses have been properly analysed.

[Kevin Foster]

I thank the Minister for that answer. In Torbay there are real concerns that the closure of the court could see an end to justice locally, with victims and witnesses having to travel long distances for cases. Is he willing to consider options that would help retain some local justice within Devon’s second largest urban area?

[Mr Vara]

My hon. Friend and I have spoken about this, and I commend his diligence in campaigning for his constituents. If there are other options, such as using other civic buildings—town halls and the like—I am very keen to consider them, so I hope that he will contribute to the consultation.