Question to the Ministry of Justice:

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what assessment he has made of the effects of the proposed closure of Ormskirk Magistrates' Court on the (a) costs and (b) length of journeys to Preston Magistrates' Court for people from Skelmersdale, Halsall, Scarisbrick and other parts of West Lancashire who rely on public transport; and what assessment he has made of the effect on Preston Magistrates' Court of the length and complexity of journeys on public transport by defendants.

No decision has been made on the future of Ormskirk Magistrates Court. Access to justice is not just about proximity to a court. To ensure that access to justice is maintained, we are committed to providing alternative ways for users to access our services, including the use of other civic buildings.

No decisions will be made until every response to the current consultation has been considered carefully.