§ 54. Mr. Hugh Jenkins asked the Attorney-General if he is aware of the reluctance of some magistrates to convict in the case of motoring offences; and what action he is taking to bring about a more uniform application of the law.
§ The Attorney-GeneralI am not aware of reluctance on the part of magistrates to convict in cases involving motoring offences. My noble Friend is prepared to investigate any case of alleged bias or refusal to apply the law.
§ Mr. JenkinsMay I draw the Attorney-General's attention to a letter which appeared in The Times recently from Sir Bernard Waley-Cohen, a justice of the peace in the City, supported by other magistrates, to the effect that the enforcement of the speed limit on motorists was a matter which, apparently, they did not regard as of importance? Will the right hon. and learned Gentleman look into this?
§ The Attorney-GeneralI shall certainly look into the point made by the hon. Member. Of course, my noble Friend cannot and will not direct magistrates on the circumstances in which they should convict.
§ Sir Elwyn JonesHas there not been an increasing use of conferences of magistrates to try to move towards uniformity? Is that not a development which is proving somewhat helpful, at any rate in this domain?
§ The Attorney-GeneralThat is so, and the more these conferences are held the greater will be the advantage to many magistrates. However, I am not aware of a general attitude of a refusal to convict.