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Criminal Defence Service Bill [Lords]

I hope that the pay dispute does not result in industrial action and that there will be an opportunity before the time at which that action is supposed to take place for all parties to come together to find a constructive solution. I am well aware of the situation that magistrates courts’ staff face. Magistrates courts’ staff presently do the administration for the scheme, and their jobs will be enhanced by giving them responsibility. They perform their roles under judicial supervision at the moment. It is important for us to say to them, ““Here is an administrative job that you are doing very well, and we want you to continue to do so.””