§ 2.38 p.m.
§ VISCOUNT BRIDGEMANMy Lords, I beg leave to ask the Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.
§ [The Question was as follows:
§ To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they are aware that the recent rating revaluation has had the effect that very large numbers of householders have now become eligible for Jury Service with the result that heavy clerical work is being thrown on local authorities to no purpose; and whether they are also aware that the attention of the Home Office has 208 several times been drawn to the problem, and what steps are proposed to deal with it.]
§ THE MINISTER OF STATE, HOME OFFICE (LORD DERWENT)My Lords, Her Majesty's Government are aware that the recent revaluation of property has resulted in additional work in connection with the insertion of new jurors' marks in the electoral register. But, as the law stands at present, this cannot be avoided, and Her Majesty's Government do not contemplate legislation pending the report of the Departmental Committee on Jury Service which my right honourable friend the Secretary of State for the Home Department appointed last May. In the meantime, my right honourable friend has suggested to electoral registration officers ways in which the pressure of the additional work might be eased.
§ VISCOUNT BRIDGEMANMy Lords, while thanking my noble friend for that Answer, may I ask whether he will ask his right honourable friend to do everything he can to expedite the proceedings of the Committee on Jury Service?
§ LORD DERWENTMy Lords, the Committee are still taking evidence. I can give my noble friend no date as to when they may report, but they are getting on with the matter as quickly as they can.
§ VISCOUNT BRIDGEMANMy Lords, I thank my noble friend.