§ 12. Sir B. Jannerasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will now give the names of the departmental committee inquiring into the law and practice relating to jury service.
§ Mr. BrookeI would refer the hon. Member to the answer which I gave to him on this subject a week ago.
§ Sir B. JannerWhen does the Home Secretary expect to be able to set up this committee? Is he aware that in reply to a Question that I put to the Prime Minister I received an Answer that in some 740 cases of committees being set up, the average length of time that it took for each was 19 months? In view of the feeling about the absurd position of the jury system, is the right hon. Gen- 610 tleman prepared to do something straight away, to see if it can be remedied, as it can be if he puts people on the register in the regular list?
§ Mr. BrookeBecause some committees take a long time, I am particularly anxious to choose and appoint an exceptionally good committee on this occasion. I have appointed a first-class chairman and I hope very shortly to be able to send out invitations in respect of the other members.