§ 33. Dame Irene Wardasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what study he has made of the unanimous resolution sent to him by the Newcastle-on-Tyne magistrates on certain aspects of the Criminal Justice Bill; and whether he has received other representations in similar terms.
§ The Under-Secretary of State for the Home Department (Mr. Dick Taverne)I have taken note of the views of the Newcastle-upon-Tyne magistrates. I have received from other bodies representations covering the same points.
§ Dame Irene WardIs the hon. and learned Gentleman aware that representations have been made by the Magistrates' Association, the Law Society and a great many others on this point? May I have an assurance that not only will he note this but will take action to do away with the practice proposed, which has aroused so much opposition from responsible people in the country.
§ Mr. TaverneIf we had not already been aware of representations of this sort, we were forcefully made aware of them when the question of bail and suspended sentences was considered in Committee upstairs on the Criminal Justice Bill. There has been a very full discussion of these matters in that Committee.
§ Dame Irene WardSteamrollered.