HL Deb 02 March 1971 vol 315 c1253
LORD JANNER

My Lords, I beg leave to ask the Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.

[The Question was as follows:

To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they are now prepared to make the long-delayed payment of subsistence allowance to magistrates who give their valuable service to the public in courts which are less than three miles from their places of residence; and what the cost would be to the State.]

THE MINISTER OF STATE, HOME OFFICE (LORD WINDLESHAM)

Yes, my Lords. The Government intend to do so early in the next financial year. Loss-of-earnings allowances for justices of the peace will be introduced at the same time. The estimated cost of these changes in England and Wales is £500,000 in a full year.

LORD JANNER

My Lords, may I offer my thanks, and also the thanks of the magistrates concerned, for at long last receiving the promise of payment of subsistence allowance? We are grateful to the Minister for having taken up the matter.