HL Deb 19 November 1970 vol 312 c1242
BARONESS WOOTTON OF ABINGER

My 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 Government will issue justices of the peace with some form of identification which will assist them in getting access to courts and penal institutions when abroad.]

THE LORD CHANCELLOR (LORD HAILSHAM OF ST. MARYLEBONE)

My Lords, every justice of the peace receives a letter at the time of his appointment to the Bench informing him that the Lord Chancellor has placed his name on the Commission of the Peace. This letter ought to be sufficient for the purpose that the noble Baroness has in mind. If a magistrate wishes for a legitimate purpose a particular letter of introduction to a specific authority abroad, I shall be glad to consider such a request on its merits.

BARONESS WOOTTON OF ABINGER

My Lords, I am obliged to the noble and learned Lord for that answer.

LORD MERTHYR

My Lords, will the noble and learned Lord remind the noble Baroness that facilities such as she desires have been available for a long time from the Magistrates' Association who do a great deal of work in this field? I am sure that if application is made to them she will benefit by it.

THE LORD CHANCELLOR

My Lords, the noble Lord who, I think, for 25 years and until recently was Chairman of the Association has done very right to remind the House of the facilities of the Association. Every magistrate would be well advised to join.

BARONESS WOOTTON OF ABINGER

My Lords, will the noble and learned Lord allow me to say that this is a matter which has been raised by a number of justices who are anxious to improve their knowledge of the judicial systems abroad? I am much obliged to him for giving an Answer that makes it clear how they can do so.

THE LORD CHANCELLOR

My Lords, I am grateful to the noble Baroness for what she has said.