§ 35. Mr. Henigasked the Attorney-General what representations he has recently received about the appointment of blind persons to the lay magistracy; and what reply he has sent.
§ The Attorney-General (Sir Elwyn Jones)I have received no representations recently about the appointment of blind persons to the lay magistracy.
§ Mr. HenigCould my right hon. and learned Friend confirm whether or not it is the case that in the last 20 years no blind person has been appointed to the lay magistracy? Would he not agree that suitably qualified blind persons could do a most valuable job of work on the magistrates' bench? Will he therefore take some action to put this matter right?
§ The Attorney-GeneralNo person who is blind has been appointed to the magistracy in the period mentioned by my hon. Friend. That has been in conformity with the unanimous recommendation of the Royal Commission on Justices of the Peace 20 years ago that no person who is blind ought to be appointed a justice. While my noble and learned Friend the Lord Chancellor and I have every sympathy with those who have made representations on this matter, we agree with that view. In our view it is essential that magistrates should, among other things, be able to observe the demeanor of witnesses, and we think that it is also vital that the public should have complete confidence in the fact that they should have no reason to think that in some cases magistrates may be unable to perform their duties effectively.
§ Mr. HenigOn a point of order. I beg to give notice that, in view of the 975 unsatisfactory nature of that reply, I shall seek to raise the matter at the earliest possible moment on the Adjournment.