HC Deb 20 April 1883 vol 278 c738
MR. H. H. FOWLER

asked Mr. Attorney General, Whether he is aware of the large number of causes waiting for trial in the Chancery Division of the High Court, and in the Court of Appeal; and, whether the Government propose to take any steps to remedy the delay and increased cost occasioned to the suitors by the present administration of the Judicature Acts?

THE ATTORNEY GENERAL (Sir HENRY JAMES)

, in reply, said, that the number of cases waiting for hearing in the Chancery Division of all descriptions, including adjourned summonses, was 848; in the Court of Appeal, 270. The House would be aware that a Committee of Judges had been engaged for some time in framing Rules in the hope of getting rid of some of the delay that now existed in the hearing of cases; and until these Rules were prepared, which would be shortly, the Government were not desirous of interfering with a matter over which the Judges had jurisdiction. The Government were now considering the introduction of a short Judicature Act, in order to lessen the delay of causes coming into Court.