§ 66. Mr. Wainwrightasked the Attorney-General if, in view of the public concern at the inconsistency of penalties awarded by lay magistrates, he will introduce legislation to provide for the attendance at special training courses of justices of the peace, and for the payment of reasonable expenses.
The Attorney-GeneralNo. Training courses for justices are already provided under Section 17 of the Justices of the Peace Act, 1949. The present arrangements can be extended under the existing statutory provisions and this is a matter which is under consideration by my noble Friend the Lord Chancellor. As regards: he payment of expenses to justices, travelling and lodging allowances are already payable under Section 8 of the Justices of the Peace Act, 1949, and provision for subsistence allowance is made in the Administration of Justice Bill which is now before Parliament.