HL Deb 12 May 2003 vol 648 cc4-5WA
Lord Laird asked Her Majesty's Government

When the criteria for exemption for jury selection in Northern Ireland were last reviewed or reformed.[HL2584]

The Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department (Baroness Scotland of Asthal)

The Juries (Northern Ireland) Order 1996 which came into operation on 31 July 1996 revised the law relating to the qualification for, and exemption from, jury service as well as the empanelling, summoning and balloting of jurors.

Lord Laird asked Her Majesty's Government

On an annual basis how many jurors are selected in Northern Ireland; and how many are actually sworn in and sit on a jury.[HL2585]

Baroness Scotland of Asthal

In the three legal years from September 2000 to June 2003, the total number of jurors who were summoned to attend court by juries officers in Northern Ireland were as follows:

Date No.of Jurors
September 2001–June 2001 14,080
September 2001–June 2002 13,800
September 2002–June 2003 13,755
Approximately 28 per cent of jurors summoned are sworn in to serve on juries.

Lord Laird asked Her Majesty's Government

From which databases jurors are selected in Northern Ireland. [HL2633]

Baroness Scotland of Asthal

Article 4 of the Juries (Northern Ireland) Order 1996 requires that in each year the Chief Electoral Officer arranges the selection by computer from the register of electors of a sufficient number of jurors for the purpose of empanelling juries.