§ Bill considered in Committee.
§ (In the Committee.)
§ Clause 1 (Power in Court to allow jury to separate in cases of felony).
§ THE ATTORNEY GENERAL (Sir CHARLES RUSSELL) (Hackney, S.)On the second reading of this Bill, the Government substantially accepted it; but I have an Amendment to propose on this clause, which is, in line 12, to insert the words "Provided always, that the Court may see fit."
§
Amendment proposed,
In page 1, line 12, to insert the words "Provided always, that the Court may see fit."—(Mr. Attorney General.)
§ Question proposed, "That those words be there inserted."
§ MR. LOCKWOOD (York)On behalf of those who are interested in this Bill, I have to say that we have great pleasure in accepting this Amendment.
§ MR. STUART-WORTLEY (Sheffield, Hallam)I should like to know whether the hon. and learned Gentleman does not think that the same effect would be obtained by a direction from the Bench?
§ SIR CHARLES RUSSELLThe Amendment has been put down on the suggestion of a Judge who, perhaps, has as great experience of Criminal Law as any other man on the Bench. As my hon. Friend will see, it is not compulsory on the Judge, but he will simply have the discretionary power.
§ Question put, and agreed to.
§ Bill reported; as amended, to be considered To-morrow.