§ Mr. HinchliffeTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what guidance he issues to magistrates court clerks on the regard they should have to the consequences on employers and the public when arranging the hearing of cases relating to non-payment of the community charge by a large number of persons employed in the same undertaking; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. John PattenWe have had no evidence so far that any such guidance is required. There would in any case be practical difficulties. Courts issue summonses on the basis of applications from the local authority: information about employment is not included in such applications.