§ 31. Mr. Clinton Davisasked the Attorney-General if he will now indicate whether legislation is to be introduced 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-GeneralAs I told the hon. Member on 24th May, his proposal will be borne in mind when a suitable opportunity for legislation occurs. It would not be appropriate to consider it in advance of decisions that may have to be taken to deal with the position of stipendiary magistrates following on local government reorganisation.—[Vol. 818, c. 24.]
§ Mr. Clinton DavisAre we to understand from that reply that the Government have given no further thought to this matter since 24th May? When will they give proper consideration to a matter which is of some considerable urgency and which causes people appearing before the courts a great deal of inconvenience?
§ The Attorney-GeneralThere are certainly a few areas where a system such as the hon. Gentleman proposes would probably prove useful, but, as he will appreciate, the Bill to reform local government will alter the areas from which stipendiaries are appointed. What would be necessary is suitable legislation, and that must wait until further organisation of the magistrates' courts has been considered.