Peter Aldous continues to raise his concerns on the proposed closure of Lowestoft court which, if the proposed closures of Lowestoft and Bury St Edmunds go ahead, will leave Suffolk as the worst English county in terms of magistrates courts per square mile.

 

Peter Aldous (Waveney) (Con): The Minister already knows my views on the unacceptability of the proposed closure of Lowestoft court. Is he aware that if the proposed closures of Lowestoft and Bury St Edmunds go ahead, Suffolk will be the worst English county in terms of magistrates courts per square mile, with one court covering 1,466 square miles, compared with 692 square miles in Norfolk, 355 square miles in Essex and 655 square miles in neighbouring Cambridgeshire?

 

Mr Vara: It is clear that people in Suffolk are more law-abiding. My hon. Friend and I have of course met and corresponded, and I am happy to continue that engagement. No firm decisions have been taken, and I commend him for the conscientious way in which he speaks up for his constituents.

 

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