§ MR. HOPWOODasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department, Whether he has considered the Memorial of the Annual Trades' 812 Union Congress presented to him by a deputation on the 11th of November last, praying an inquiry into the appointment and supervision of magistrates and the summary administration of justice; suggesting the right of the accused to trial by jury in cases of assault, and urging the clear separation of civil from criminal matters, and the reconsideration of the whole subject of imprisonment, whether in respect of unpaid costs or fines, or by direct sentences; whether his attention has been called to the imprisonment of 3,232 persons in 1874 for want of sureties; and, whether he intends to propose any inquiry or alteration of the law as prayed?
MR. ASSHETON CROSS, in reply, said, he had taken into consideration the Memorial referred to by the hon. Member, and that he was in hopes of being able, in the course of the Session, to propose some legislation on the subject.