HC Deb 09 August 1972 vol 842 cc485-6W
Mr. Clinton Davis

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many cases there were, during each of the years 1969, 1970, 1971 and 1972, when adults, appearing in magistrates' courts, who were charged with criminal offences other than motoring offences, and who were suffering from no physical rape, robbery, burglary, where the value of property stolen was over £5, and theft, where the value of property stolen was over £10, in each of the years 1969, 1970 and 1971.

Mr. Carlisle

Following is the available information:

incapacity, were permitted to occupy seats in court adjacent to those occupied by their defending lawyer; and if he will give particulars thereof.

Mr. Carlisle

This information is not available.

Mr. Clinton Davis

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he is satisfied with the way magistrates' courts have exercised their discretion to enable accused persons not to stand in the dock in such courts; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Carlisle

We have had no complaints about this in recent years, apart from the comment in the recent memorandum on bail by the Howard League for Penal Reform.