§ THE LORD CHANCELLORMy Lords, I beg to move that the Draft Judicial Offices (Salaries) Order be approved. I think that I can deal with this Order formally, since I explained in my former speech what it was about. But of course if there are any particular questions which noble Lords wish to raise about the lower Judiciary, they are now absolutely free to do so and I shall endeavour to answer them.
§ Moved, That the Draft Judicial Offices (Salaries) Order 1970, laid before the House on December 8, be approved.—(The Lord Chancellor.)
§ LORD GARDINERMy Lords, there is one point I should like to raise. As the noble and learned Lord knows, the remuneration of some judges can be dealt with administratively. I have never been able to make any sense out of, or see rhyme or reason in, the distinction between dealing with the lower Judiciary and those whose remuneration can be increased administratively, and those for whom an Order is necessary. I will not ask the noble and learned Lord to deal with this matter now, but I wonder whether he will agree that at some time 1359 or other this point really ought to be considered.
§ THE LORD CHANCELLORMy Lords, I agree with the noble and learned Lord. I think that some steps towards this are to be taken in the Courts Bill. There is, I think, no contemporary reason why the line of demarcation should be drawn where it is. There is no reason why, for instance, masters and county court judges should require this procedure, and I absolutely agree that an opportunity should be taken to bring the two classes together.
§ On Question, Motion agreed to.