Oral Answers to Questions Debate

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Department: Ministry of Justice

Oral Answers to Questions

Geoffrey Clifton-Brown Excerpts
Tuesday 23rd June 2015

(8 years, 10 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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Michael Gove Portrait Michael Gove
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Both our jurisdictions have a great deal to learn from one another. I am very grateful to the hon. and learned Lady for mentioning that, and for the very constructive tone she took in last week’s Westminster Hall debate on these issues. I hope to have the chance to visit prisons in Scotland soon and to talk to the Scottish Justice Minister about some of these issues.

Geoffrey Clifton-Brown Portrait Geoffrey Clifton-Brown (The Cotswolds) (Con)
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3. What plans he has for the future of the court estate in Gloucestershire.

Shailesh Vara Portrait The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Justice (Mr Shailesh Vara)
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The court estate in Gloucestershire, and across England and Wales, is a major asset of Her Majesty’s Courts and Tribunals Service. Any new proposals on the future of the courts will be subject to consultation.

Geoffrey Clifton-Brown Portrait Geoffrey Clifton-Brown
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Will my hon. Friend, as part of the Courts and Tribunals Service reform programme, consider establishing one purpose-built building to house all court services?

Shailesh Vara Portrait Mr Vara
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I am grateful to my hon. Friend for his comments. I am very mindful of the state of affairs of Gloucestershire’s court estate. It is important that court buildings provide value for money and meet local demand. I will certainly ensure that his comments are taken on board.