§ Mr. IrvineTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what progress has been made in providing prison boards of visitors with the assistance of a qualified clerk at adjudications.
§ Mr. MellorA pilot scheme to provide clerks drawn from the magistrates courts service to assist boards at adjudications began in 13 establishments on 6 November. The scheme will run for one year and be independently monitored throughout to assess both the practicality of456W this proposal and the extent to which it proves to be of real assistance to boards of visitors. It is our hope that the independence and expertise which court clerks will bring to the adjudicatory process will further improve the quality of justice at disciplinary hearings. In the light of the results of the monitoring of the scheme, we shall wish to reach a view as to the desirability of making similar arrangements in all establishments.