§ LORD GARDINERMy Lords, I beg leave to ask the first Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.
The Question was as follows:
To ask Her Majesty's Government what is their policy with regard to the Justice proposals on the prosecution process.
§ THE PARLIAMENTARY UNDER-SECRETARY OF STATE, DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION AND SCIENCE (LORD BELSTEAD)My Lords, it remains the Government's view that a fundamental reorganisation on the lines proposed by Justice is not called for at present.
§ LORD GARDINERMy Lords, while thanking the noble Lord for that Answer, may I ask him whether he will bear in mind that when I put down a similar Question for Written Answer on June 17, 1971, the Answer was, in form, the same? Does it mean that the Government welcome the proposals, though no action will be taken on them this Session, but that we may anticipate action at some time in this Parliament?
§ LORD BELSTEADMy Lords, the Government certainly support the view that police forces should have available prosecuting solicitors. Indeed, as the noble and learned Lord very well knows, the Home Office has issued three circulars to this effect in the last seven years. However, I cannot give an undertaking to the noble and learned Lord that action will be taken during this Parliament on these specific proposals by Justice.