HC Deb 20 February 1962 vol 654 cc41-2W
Lady Tweedsmuir

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what study he has made, with a view to eventual legislative action in order to amend the English law along the lines of the Scottish system, of the differences between Scottish and English law in the recruitment criteria of women jurors; and what conclusions he has come to.

Mr. R. A. Butler

A proportionately higher number of women are eligible for jury service in Scotland than in England, because of differences in the nature of the property qualification. In Scotland, persons worth £200 in goods, chattels and personal estate are qualified, as well as householders. Any changes in the property qualification in England and Wales would have wider implications than an increase in the number of women qualified to serve, and I have no statement to make on this at present.

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