§ 14. Mr. van Straubenzeeasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will introduce legislation to extend the jurisdiction of magistrates' courts under Section 14 of the Criminal Justice Administration Act 1914, by raising from £20 to £100 the amount 611 the court can order in payment of the amount of the damage caused in addition to any other penalty.
§ Mr. WoodhouseMy right hon. Friend has noted this point for consideration when a suitable opportunity for amending legislation occurs.
§ Mr. van StraubenzeeI am obliged to my hon. Friend for that answer. May I urge on him that this requires more than consideration? Will he bear in mind that in modem conditions the imposition of a fine of £20 for offences of this nature is far too low, and will he particularly bear in mind the case arising at Hurst, in my constituency, which I recently placed before him?
§ Mr. WoodhouseYes, Sir. We are aware that there are anomalies in the present provisions, and I shall certainly give consideration to the case to which my hon. Friend has drawn attention.