§ 30. Mr. Wallerasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he has any proposals to speed up the rate at which alleged offences committed on or near picket lines are being dealt with in the magistrates' courts.
§ Mr. MellorMy noble and learned Friend the Lord Chancellor has appointed stipendiary magistrates to help deal with the increased workload of courts in a number of places affected by the miners' dispute, and he has248W indicated his willingness to meet any other requests for such an appointment from magistrates' courts. My right hon. and learned Friend the Home Secretary has taken action to encourage and facilitate local arrangements for the transfer of business to less hard pressed courts: the use of additional accommodation for courtrooms; and the loan of staff from other areas. He will continue to take action of this kind.