§ Mr. LawrenceTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will institute a review of procedure in magistrates' courts; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. HurdIt has been apparent for some time that some aspects of criminal and domestic procedure in magistrates' courts are unwieldy or outmoded. I have, therefore, decided to initiate a thorough review. This will be carried out by a working party of officials and experienced practitioners under Home Office chairmanship. Its terms of reference will be:414W
to review the criminal and domestic procedure of magistrates' courts; to consider what changes could be expected to make that procedure more effective, efficient and economical, consistently with satisfactory provision for due process; and to make recommendations".