Charles Walker asks the Secretary of State for Justice when the public consultation on the mental health criteria for jury duty is expected to reach a conclusion.

Mr. Walker: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice when the public consultation on the mental health criteria for jury duty, referred to in the report of the Social Exclusion Unit in June 2004, will be concluded. [194655]

Maria Eagle: Work is continuing on the drafting of a consultation paper on mental health and jury service and we expect to be in a position to publish the paper within the next few months. Under Cabinet Office guidelines three months should be allowed for public consultation; a summary of the views received and any decisions taken as a result of the consultation should be published within a further three months.

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