Question to the Ministry of Justice:

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, which courts close routinely for a period of two consecutive weeks or more in each calendar year; and what the reason for the closure is in each such case.

Lancaster Crown Court is the only courthouse which routinely closes for a period of two consecutive weeks or more in a calendar year.

Lancaster Crown Court is a one courtroom centre and is administratively supported from Preston Crown Court. It is based within Lancaster Castle, a heritage site and tourist attraction. The court is closed during peak holiday periods to make best use of available staff resource and also to avoid complications arising out of increased tourist volumes. There are no adverse implications on court users as a result of the closure.