§ Mr. Ray Powellasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if in view of the disquiet expressed by magisterial officers regarding the offer of 9 per cent. on their present wages, and considering the effect that any form of sanction would have on the administration of justice throughout the country, he will take action to avoid such a disquiet.
§ Mr. WhitelawI attach the highest-importance to the proper working of the magistrates' courts. But the pay of staff employed in those courts in England and Wales outside Inner London is negotiated in the Joint Negotiating Committee for Justices' Clerks' Assistants. I do not think it would be appropriate for me to comment on the negotiations currently taking place.