§ 22. Mr. Awberyasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department when legislation is likely to be introduced to give effect to the recommendations of the Departmental Committee on Justices' Clerks.
§ Mr. EdeI regret that it is not possible at present to say when legislation on this subject is likely to be introduced.
§ Mr. AwberyIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the Departmental Committee has already reported to his Department, and cannot move now until his Department moves in the matter?
§ 23. Mr. Awberyasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department in how many cases have the recommendations of the Departmental Committee on Justices' 2142 Clerks, to pay part-time justices' clerks a personal salary, and for their staff and office expenses to be paid by the local authority, been complied with by standing joint committees: and if he will take steps to see that those authorities which have not done so, implement the report.
§ Mr. EdeThe existing law requires that the salary of a clerk to justices shall be an inclusive sum covering both his personal remuneration and the expenses incurred by him in the performance of his duty, including the salary of his assistants and other necessary disbursements. To alter this? requirement legislation will be necessary. A Home Office circular of 1935 recommended that specific provision for these expenses should be made when the clerk's salary is fixed, and that this provision should be adjusted from time to time to changed conditions.
§ Mr. AwberyIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the Roche Committee of 1944 expressed an opinion that this method of payment is very unsatisfactory, and should be changed as quickly as possible?
§ Mr. EdeI am aware of the Roche Committee's report, and I hope the answer I have given today will be some indication to the standing joint committees and others of the proper course they should pursue.