§ 45. Mr. Spriggsasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what representations he has received, to the latest convenient date, requesting him to use his powers to provide justices of the peace with a loss of earnings allowance.
§ Mr. CarlisleRepresentations have been received from several right hon. and hon. Members, from the Magistrates' Association and the Committee of Magistrates for Inner London, and from about ten other organisations.
§ Mr. SpriggsThe hon. Gentleman does not tell the House much of the Government's intentions in regard to doing justice to magistrates. Is he aware that many thousands of magistrates at their own expense are attending courts many times each year at great loss to themselves? What do the Government intend to do about it?
§ Mr. CarlisleI answered the Question that the hon. Member asked. It was about the representations we have received, and my Answer was factually correct. He now asks a further question about what we intend doing about it. All I can say is that this matter is being considered by the Home Secretary, but he is not yet able to make a statement.