HC Deb 18 July 1884 vol 290 cc1604-5
MR. JOSEPH COWEN

asked Mr. Attorney General, If his attention has been called to the inconvenience and dissatisfaction that the new Assize arrangement has caused at Newcastle-on-Tyne; and, if it is the intention of the Government to continue to send only one Judge to that city?

THE ATTORNEY GENERAL (Sir HENRY JAMES)

Yes, Sir; my attention has been called to a Charge to the Grand Jury by Mr. Justice Manisty, and a presentment made by the Grand Jury echoing that Charge. I know how important it is that every respect should be shown to Her Majesty's Judges, and I always sincerely endeavour to do so; but it is impossible to avoid saying how much, in my opinion, that Charge is to be regretted. The facts are that the Judges met on the 10th of June, and unanimously recommended certain changes in our Assize system. Mr. Justice Manisty was one of those Judges. Upon such recommendation, and in obedience to it, the Executive Government have acted. The scheme was approved of by the Judges, and now, upon his taking his seat at Newcastle, one of those who recommended it made a long and, I fear I must say, violent attack upon these very changes, and wound up by saying— This is one of the results of persons controlling and regulating matters they have not been accustomed to. Undoubtedly everyone wished that the Government should take some steps to remove the block in our Courts, and we have done our best; but, of course, we cannot be very sanguine of success if Judges who have approved of a scheme denounce it, and then proceed to carry out a system they have prophesied will fail. My hon. Friend may be assured that the Lord Chancellor will listen to every representation which is made to him as to any inconvenience which may arise from one Judge sitting at Newcastle, and will endeavour to do all he can to study the public convenience.

MR. HEALY

I wish to ask you, Sir, on a point of Order, whether it is in Order for Her Majesty's Attorney General to make an attack on Her Majesty's Judges? We have had from the hon. and learned Gentleman a criticism which neither you nor the Members of the House have condemned. I wish to know whether the license permitted to the hon. and learned Attorney General will also be permitted to those on this side of the House?

MR. SPEAKER

I heard nothing fall from the hon. and learned Attorney General which could induce me to think he has transgressed any Rule I have laid down from this Chair.