§ 2.35 p.m.
§ [The Question was as follows:
§ To ask Her Majesty's Government whether their attention has been drawn to the remark reported to have been made by the chairman of the Epsom Bench of magistrates on his re-election; and whether they are satisfied that the utterances of this individual are such as to ensure the impartial administration of justice for the defendants in motor cases brought before this Bench.]
§ THE LORD CHANCELLOR (VISCOUNT KILMUIR)My Lords, the attention of Her Majesty's Government has been drawn to the remarks attributed to the chairman of the Epsom Magistrates Court on the occasion mentioned by the noble Earl. The noble Earl will be aware that the chairman has already taken an opportunity of correcting, by a further statement in court, the misleading impression of his views which his observations on the former occasion appear to have caused. In these circumstances, the second part of the Question does not arise.
§ EARL HOWEMy Lords, while thanking the noble and learned Viscount, the Lord Chancellor, for his reply, and appreciating the fact that the gentleman concerned has adopted the age-old principle of repudiating the reporter, does the noble and learned Viscount consider the expression "speed-crazy hooligans on the roads" is worthy of a man holding such an important legal office and gives an assurance to defendants in motoring cases that they will secure an impartial administration of justice?
§ THE LORD CHANCELLORMy noble friend has struck a doughty blow 1234 for motorists, of whom he is so distinguished a member, and the gentleman in question has made the amende honourable. I would therefore ask my noble friend to let the matter rest there.