HC Deb 24 June 1964 vol 697 cc391-2
19. Sir J. Duncan

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he intends to arrange for training and instruction of magistrates in Scotland, and if he will make a statement.

Lady Tweedsmuir

As my right hon. Friend stated in reply to the hon. Member for Kirkcaldy (Mr. Gourlay) on 10th June, he already encourages local arrangements for courses of lectures for justices.

Sir J. Duncan

Will my hon. Friend step up the arrangements so that, in the interests of justice, magistrates will not be as much in the hands of their clerks as they have been up to now?

Lady Tweedsmuir

Yes, Sir. A good deal is being done to encourage these local courses.

Mr. Gourlay

In a reply which I received the other week, it was stated that a new manual was being produced, "What the Scots Magistrate Ought to Know." Will the noble Lady give an assurance that when this manual is ready she will circularise all local authorities in Scotland requesting them to supply copies to all the magistrates?

Lady Tweedsmuir

This manual was published in 1955. It is being revised and brought up to date. There will be a free issue to justices, and all clerks of the court will be told about it.