Question to the Ministry of Justice:

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, whether she plans to monitor the number of hours that magistrates volunteer each year.

Magistrates’ sitting levels are already monitored by HM Courts & Tribunals Service and the judiciary. Bench Chairs are responsible for ensuring magistrates meet their minimum sitting commitment of 13 days per year and for supporting effective listing and bench management.

The Secretary of State has no current plans to introduce further monitoring.