§ MR. R. G. WEBSTER (St. Pancras, E.)I beg to ask the Attorney General whether his attention has been called to the congestion of business in the High Courts of Justice; whether, on the average, it takes longer in London for a case to come on than in provincial centres; and, if, as at present, a large number of the Judges are withdrawn from the High Court sitting in London, it would be possible to either increase the Bench or to appoint Commissioners to carry through the judicial business in London with greater promptitude?
§ THE ATTORNEY-GENERAL (Sir RICHARD WEBSTER,) Isle of WightMy 949 attention has been called to the congestion of business in the High Court of Justice. I believe it to be the fact that there is greater delay in respect of actions tried in London than there is in the case of those tried in some provincial centres. The question of the best method of dealing with this matter has been under the consideration of the Lord Chancellor and the Lord Chief Justice. The appointment of Commissioners is not desirable, save under exceptional circumstances. Personally, I think it will be found necessary, with a view to the dispatch of business, to increase the number of Judges, but in expressing this opinion it must be understood that I speak for myself only, and not on behalf of the Government.