§ THE EARL OF ALBEMARLEMy 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 the plea reported in the Press of an absentee juryman that individuals known for their criminal record should not be called upon for jury service, and the reported fact that change of name may be obtained for the expenditure of £1, indicate a need for law reform.]
§ THE JOINT PARLIAMENTARY UNDER-SECRETARY OF STATE, HOME OFFICE (LORD STONHAM)My 10 Lords, as was announced in another place on August 8, Her Majesty's Government propose to provide in the forthcoming Criminal Justice Bill for persons convicted of serious criminal offences to be disqualified from serving on juries in criminal cases. Since persons may change their name without doing so by deed poll, an increase in the fee would not help. But we propose to provide a penalty for serving on a jury when disqualified.
§ THE EARL OF ALBEMARLEMy Lords, I thank the noble Lord for his Answer.