§ 6. Mr. Stokesasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will introduce legislation to ensure that jurors are chosen by the court without any interrogation as to their personal views on public and political matters.
§ Mr. CarlisleA practice direction on this matter was given by the Lord Chief Justice on 12th January. My right hon. Friend does not think that further action is called for.
§ Mr. StokesI am grateful to my hon. and learned Friend for that reply, but does he think that it goes far enough? Is there not still a risk of a repetition of what happened during the Angry Brigade trial when the jurors were questioned? When the safety of the State is under discussion, is it not vital for jurors to be without any political taint?
§ Mr. CarlisleThe decision on any question and on what questions to ask in any particular case must of course be a matter for the judge who is trying the case. On 12th January this year the Lord Chief Justice issued a practice direction to all courts and all judges, as follows:
It is contrary to established practice for jurors to be excused on more general grounds such as race, religion, or political beliefs or occupation.I have no reason to believe that there is any need for further action to be taken.