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Criminal Justice and Immigration Bill

It is difficult, my Lords. I wrote to the chairman of the Magistrates’ Association on 12 March, and I know from experience that when the Magistrates’ Association is keenly concerned and/or anxious, it will write back speedily. I have not yet received a response. Because I had not received a response, an inquiry was made, and the indication which I have given to the House was given to those who instruct me. I therefore cannot help the noble Baroness on the magistrates’ current position. All I can do is to assure the House that the CPS’s primary concern is to ensure that the quality of the prosecution given to the magistrates is of the highest quality. We have had no reason to think that the designated caseworkers who have been given power to present cases have been found wanting; they have not. They have done their job and done it well. That is something for which they should be commended.