HC Deb 04 March 1908 vol 185 cc680-1
MR. GULLAND (Dumfries Burghs)

I beg to ask the Lord Advocate whether justices of the peace are liable to be summoned to serve on juries in Scotland though they are exempt in England; and whether, in his proposed legislation, he will relieve Scottish justices from this duty.

THE LORD ADVOCATE (Mr. THOMAS SHAW,) Hawick Burghs

The position and duties of justices in the two countries are not exactly similar. The point as to the distinction noted by my hon. friend I shall however consider in framing the text of the forthcoming Criminal Procedure Bill.

MR. WATT (Glasgow, College)

And in the proposed legislation will the right hon. Gentleman deal with the age limitation for sheriffs-substitute?

MR. THOMAS SHAW

was understood to reply in the negative.

MR. YOUNGER (Ayr Burghs)

In view of the rate at which justices of the peace are being manufactured is it not possible we may not be able to get any juries at all?

MR. HOLT (Northumberland, Hexham)

Is it the fact that iustices of the peace do not have to serve on Juries in England?

MR. THOMAS SHAW

Before answering that I must get English advice.