§ 4. Mr. Stanbrookasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make proposals for the reform of the system governing the pay and conditions of service of court staffs.
§ Mr. BrittanThe pay and conditions of service of magistrates' courts staff in England and Wales outside inner London are under review by the Clegg Commission, and the pay and negotiating machinery for the staff in inner London are under review by the staff and their employers in a joint working party. I think we should wait for those reviews to be completed before considering in consultation with those concerned whether any changes in the present negotiating arrangements are desirable.
§ Mr. StanbrookDoes my hon. and learned Friend agree that the recent strike of court staff in London revealed the utter confusion that exists in this area, with responsibility being shared between the Home Secretary, the Lord Chancellor, the Chief Magistrate and goodness knows who? Will he make proposals to rationalise this state of affairs as soon as possible after the matters that he has mentioned have been concluded?
§ Mr. BrittanThe recent strike has led us to think about whether the present arrangements are the most sensible. I think that it would be wise to wait until the outcome of the consideration that is taking place before coming forward with any firm proposals. When we do, we shall obviously have to consult all concerned.