§ 76. Sir William Davisonasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he is aware of the dissatisfaction which exists throughout the country at the hardship occasioned to jurors, who are not remunerated and have often to travel long distances and incur lodging and other expenses, in not being reimbursed for such out-of-pocket expenses; and will this matter be dealt with without further delay.
§ Mr. H. MorrisonIt is, of course, the case that citizenship involves obligations as well as benefits, but I am aware that cases of hardship sometimes occur. However, any proposal to provide for the payment from public funds of travelling and other expenses of jurors would require legislation and I regret that I cannot hold out any hope of legislation on this subject at the present time.
§ Sir W. DavisonIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that judges and lawyers, and Lord Mersey's Committee, which dealt especially with this matter so long ago as 1913, have repeatedly recommended the payment of fees and expenses to jurors, who not only suffer from having to pay out-of-pocket expenses but lose time in attendance at the court; and is there any reason why jurors should not at least be reimbursed for their out-of-pocket expenses in discharging this essential duty?
§ Mr. MorrisonI am not necessarily unsympathetic in this matter, but it is not often that people are called upon to be jurors. The only question for me is whether I can reasonably find time for legislation now, and I do not think I can reasonably do so.
§ Mr. ThorneCan the right hon. Gentleman give any reason why Members of Parliament should be exempt from jury service?