§ 13. Mr. Trippierasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he next intends to meet representatives of the Association of Magisterial Officers to discuss conditions of work of staff.
§ Mr. MayhewWe have received no request from the association for a meeting but if it makes such a request we shall consider it.
§ Mr. TrippierIs my hon. and learned Friend aware that proposals emanating from the Justices Clerks Society suggest that all magistrates' court clerks should be qualified lawyers? When the proposals reach my hon. and learned Friend or my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary will they bear in mind that many non-qualified but experienced clerks may wish to see their posts protected and some who may wish to become qualified may require financial assistance to do so?
§ Mr. MayhewI am grateful to my hon. Friend. We shall be glad to consider any points put to us by the association, including the implications for staff already working in the service who are not professionally qualified. The scope for financing professional training of such staff is one aspect that we shall need to consider.