§ 30. Mr. Clinton Davisasked the Attorney-General if he will take steps to enable part-time stipendiary magistrates to be appointed to deal with long trials or committal proceedings, particularly where accused persons are being remanded in custody in areas where only lay magistrates sit at present.
§ The Attorney-General (Sir Peter Rawlinson)The hon. Member's proposals would require legislation but the suggestion will certainly be studied and borne in mind when a suitable opportunity for such legislation occurs.
§ Mr. DavisWhile I thank the right hon. and learned Gentleman for that reply, can he indicate when such legislation is likely to be introduced? Is he aware of the great injustice caused to a substantial number of people who are remanded in custody in circumstances such as I have described, simply because a lay justice can sit in a court only once or twice a week?
§ The Attorney-GeneralThere have also been suggestions by the Chief Metropolitan Magistrate about the greater use of a whole-time stipendiary magistrate to travel around. Delays occur mainly from lack of accommodation. I will certainly bear in mind what the hon. Gentleman has suggested.