HC Deb 10 May 1951 vol 487 cc2150-1
40. Miss Hornsby-Smith

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will introduce legislation to grant to members of all other county councils the same exemption from jury service which already applies to all members of the London County Council and to all members of any municipal corporation of any borough, so far as it relates to a jury summoned to serve within the area of their county.

Mr. Ede

No, Sir. The claims of county councillors for exemption from jury service cannot be considered in isolation from the claims of other classes of persons, and time is not at present available for comprehensive legislation on this topic.

Miss Hornsby-Smith

Would not the right hon. Gentleman agree that the burden of public service carried out by members of large local authorities who do not enjoy the privilege enjoyed by members of the London County Council, is certainly as great and as much a burden on their time as are the duties carried out by members of small borough authorities who enjoy this privilege?

Mr. Ede

No, Sir, I think this matter wants to be looked at on quite a comprehensive basis, because we would only be increasing the number of anomalies if we had piecemeal legislation.

Brigadier Medlicott

Is the Home Secretary aware that, having regard to the vital importance of juries in the British system of justice and the need for maintaining their composition at a very high level, there will be widespread support for his reluctance to deprive juries of the valuable service and experience of men who serve on local authorities?

Mr. S. Silverman

Does my right hon. Friend recall that when this House was considering the Bill by which special juries were abolished, the promise was given that early opportunity would be taken to review all the anomalies of the liabilities and rights of jury service; and can he say whether any steps are contemplated in that direction?

Mr. Ede

I am collecting the various anomalies that exist, and when I have them complete, I will endeavour to see whether it is possible to make proposals to the House.