§ MR. H. GARDNER (Essex, Saffron Walden)asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department, Whether a Committee was appointed some time back to report on certain alterations in the Magisterial Districts of the Metropolis, and the number of days in the week magistrates were required to attend their Courts; and, did the Committee make any Report before the issuing of the Order in Council with reference to new Courts at Wandsworth and Dalston; and, if so, will he state the terms of that Report and the names of the Committee?
§ THE SECRETARY OF STATE (Mr. MATTHEWS) (Birmingham, E.)Two Departmental Committees have been appointed, in 1881 and 1887 respectively. The former recommended the establishment of a new Court at Dalston; the latter considered whether the Dalston Court and a whole-day Court at Hammersmith and Wandsworth could be provided for without any addition to the existing magisterial strength, over and beyond that already sanctioned for the 1083 new Court at Dalston. This Committee reported in August, 1887, and suggested that four of the Courts should be worked in pairs, with three magistrates instead of four to each pair. The Committee consisted of Mr. Stuart-Wortley, who presided, Sir James Ingham, the Receiver for the Metropolitan Police District, and Mr. Bruce, one of the Assistant Commissioners of Police.