§ MR. PICKERSGILL (Bethnal Green, S.W.)asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department, Whether his attention has been called to the fact that there was no magistrate in attendance at Dalston Police Court on Tuesday last for several hours after the time appointed for the commencement of business; to what cause was this due; whether a similar irregularity occurred only a fortnight ago; and, whether, in order to avoid great public inconvenience and loss, he will take such measures as will secure the punctual attendance of the magistrate at this Court?
§ THE SECRETARY OF STATE (Mr. MATTHEWS) (Birmingham, E.)I am informed by the Chief Magistrate that Mr. Horace Smith, the magistrate at Dalston Police Court, was suddenly taken ill and confined to his bed for several hours. He telegraphed to a magistrate to take his place, and the required assistance was supplied after some unavoidable delay. A similar irregularity occurred on the 15th instant. This arose from an unfortunate misunderstanding among the magistrates responsible for the service of the Court. The non-attendance of a magistrate was thus in each case due to an accident. I hope it may be found possible, under existing arrangements, to make provision for the proper service of this Court. If it is not possible, I must consider what new arrangements can be made.