§ VISCOUNT DILHORNEMy Lords, I beg leave to ask the Second Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.
§ [The Question was as follows:
§ To ask Her Majesty's Government whether it is proposed to implement the recommendations of the Departmental Committee on Jury Service; and, if so, when it is proposed to introduce legislation to do so.]
THE JOINT PARLIAMENTARY UNDER-SECRETARY OF STATE, HOME OFFICE (LORD STONIIAM)My Lords, the Government welcome this Report and are in general agreement with the Committee's main recommendations. Legislation is being prepared, but I cannot yet say when it will be practicable to introduce it.
§ VISCOUNT DILHORNEMy Lords, can the noble Lord perhaps give the same encouraging answer as did the noble and learned Lord the Lord Chancellor to the last Question? Is the Bill now in process of being drafted? After all, this Committee reported before the Donovan Committee—it reported in April, 1965. Does the noble Lord not regard reform of our jury system as being most necessary and urgently required?
§ LORD STONHAMYes, my Lords, I certainly agree with the noble and learned Viscount that this legislation is most necessary and urgently required, and we should like to bring it forward. But there have been no unavoidable delays, and there are, of course, many other claims on the legislative programme. When my noble and learned friend was answering the noble and learned Viscount's previous question, I found myself uttering the words in advance—though not so eloquently as my noble friend was uttering them—and I can only say that the same answer would apply on this occasion.