§ 2.52 p.m.
§ [The Question was as follows:
§ To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they have any statement to make on the constitution of juvenile courts.]
THE LORD CHANCELLOR (LORD SIMONDS)My Lords, it has been the intention of Her Majesty's Government to amend the Rules governing the constitution of juvenile courts in order to secure, as soon as this becomes practicable, that all juvenile courts should contain at least one man and at least one woman. I am of the opinion that this stage has now been reached, and I propose to 133 amend the Statutory Rules to provide for mixed courts in every case, except in emergency when a court may he composed of two men or two women. It is desirable to allow time to add women justices to the few juvenile court panels which still do not have an adequate number, and for this reason it is intended to bring the new Rules into effect in England and Wales from January, 1955, and in Scotland from May, 1955.
LORD MERTHYRMy Lords, arising out of that answer, may I ask the noble and learned Lord whether it is perfectly clear that the new Rules will apply to London equally with the rest of the country?
THE LORD CHANCELLORI think the answer to that question is that the jurisdiction there rests with the Home Secretary, and it is my impression, which I will confirm, that that is already the position in London, where two women or two male justices can now sit in an emergency.
§ EARL JOWITTMay I tell the noble and learned Lord that the announcement he has made will give great satisfaction to many of those who have been doing this work?