To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what representations have been received about increasing the number of multiracial juries; whether he will introduce regulations to enable a multiracial jury to be appointed in cases where either the defence or prosecution request one; and if he will make a statement.

We have received no such representations, although I understand that this is an issue which has been put to the Royal Commission on criminal justice in evidence submitted to them. I understand also that the Lord Chancellor has received representations on the matter from the Society of Black Lawyers. We have no present plans for legislation in this area.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will introduce regulations to enable a mixed-sex jury to be appointed in cases where either the defence or the prosecution request one; and if he will make a statement.

We have no present plans to do so.