§ 62. Mr. ShersbyTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what information he has about the678W difficulties being experienced in the magistrates' courts service as a result of the inability to recruit court clerks; what steps he is taking to remedy the situation; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. John PattenI am aware that concern has been expressed by justices' clerks and others about difficulties in recruiting and retaining court clerks, especially those qualified as barristers or solicitors. I understand that in some areas court sittings have been cancelled and delays have increased. I understand that the joint negotiating committee (JNC) which negotiates pay and conditions of service for magistrates' courts staff is collecting information on recruitment and retention, and that the JNC will take such information into account when considering the pay settlement for 1988. We shall consider very carefully whatever proposals the JNC puts forward.