Clause 6 - Abolition of magistrates'
Courts Bill [Lords]
3:45 pm
Mr David Heath (Somerton and Frome, Liberal Democrat)
It has been suggested that the transition from the magistrates courts committees to the new structure might benefit from using some of the experience of those who at present sit on magistrates courts committees in an effective way. History supports that view, but I say that with some trepidation, because I do not necessarily want the same bodies to be transferred from one area of responsibility to another if they do not merit it.
I recall that when the Police Act 1996 was passed, I was the chairman of the Avon and Somerset police authority. I then found myself elected as chairman of the newly constructed police authority for Avon and Somerset, which was a completely different beast. The number of members was cut from 35 to 17; it had new independent members and a vastly different structure. It was of enormous benefit that a few people appeared on both sides of the transition, because they had the experience of what had happened previously, knew the tricks of the trade, had a relationship with the chief constable and were able to contribute effectively.
I suspect that the same may be true under the Bill, although we are talking about moving from an executive to a non-executive function. The courts boards may well benefit from the experience of those who have served on magistrates courts committees. I put it to the Minister that that is something to be considered when appointing the courts boards, not to avoid having new blood—I approve of new blood being brought into such organisations—but because some continuity is occasionally helpful.