HL Deb 01 July 1996 vol 573 cc88-9WA
Lord Dixon-Smith

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What is the status of the Judicial Studies Board.

The Lord Chancellor (Lord Mackay of Clashfern)

I have today placed a memorandum of understanding in the Library which gives the Judicial Studies Board greater autonomy in the organisation of judicial training, and greater responsibility for planning and financial control. It is right that the nature and content of judicial training should be primarily a matter for the judiciary, if it is to remain relevant to the judiciary's needs. I am convinced that this memorandum will over time help the board to enhance the quality of the training facilities made available to the judiciary, and to improve the advice and assistance which the JSB gives towards the training of magistrates and chairmen and members of tribunals.