§ [No. 59.]
§ Schedule 5, page 108, line 18, at end insert 'and for the words "being eligible for appointment as resident magistrates" substitute the words "being persons who are eligible for appointment as, or have previously been, resident magistrates".'
§ The LORD CHANCELLORMy Lords, I beg to move that this House doth agree with the Commons in their Amendment No. 59. This Amendment makes a small but important textual alteration to Section 10 of the Magistrates' Courts Act (Northern Ireland) 1964, which is the provision governing the appointment of deputy resident magistrates. In order to ensure the continuing prompt despatch of business in magistrates' courts, it is necessary to have an adequate number of persons who can be invited to act as deputies when the need arises. Under Section 10 at present only persons who are eligible for permanent appointment as resident magistrates are eligible for appointment as deputies and this Amendment will enable retired resident magistrates to be appointed and thus brings the position into line with the provisions of the Bill relating to the appointment of deputy county court judges and the appointment of persons to assist in the transaction of the business in the High Court.
§ Moved, That this House doth agree with the Commons in the said Amendment.—(The Lord Chancellor.)
§ 9.10 p.m.