HC Deb 11 November 1985 vol 86 cc28-9W
84. Mr. Jessel

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what recent representations Her Majesty's Government have received about the functioning of the jury system.

Mr. Mellor

From time to time my noble Friend the Lord Chancellor and my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary receive representations about general matters such as eligibility for jury service, the right to excusal, the expenses payable, and the principle of random selection. In addition we have received one letter from an hon. Member about the defence right of peremptory challenge, and we and colleagues are aware of recent concern Scheme expressed about this. As my right hon. Friend announced on 7 November at column 130, we shall arrange for the Crown Prosecution Service to gather further information about the use of peremptory challenge.