§ Lord Rentonasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they will institute a review of procedure in magistrates' courts.
The Minister of State, Home Office (Earl Ferrers)It has been apparent for some time that some aspects of criminal and domestic procedure in magistrates' courts are unwieldy or outmoded. My right honourable friend the Home Secretary has 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
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".