§ Mr. Cohenasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what action he proposes to take in response to the recent statement by the assistant commissioner of the Metropolitan police concerning the activities of alleged jury nobblers in London; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Douglas HoggProtection of jurors is an operational matter for chief officers. The police are aware of the dangers, particularly in major trials involving organised crime, and if necessary seek the authority of the trial judge to provide police protection for the jurors in order to prevent any interference. However, the available evidence does not suggest that jury nobbling is a widespread practice or that a change in the law is needed.