§ MR. R. A. ALLISON (Cumberland, Eskdale)I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, whether he has observed that at the late Cumberland Assizes three causes were left untried although the Judge on the last night of the Assize sat until 10.30 p.m.; whether the same Judge at the Westmorland Assizes had no work except to 1227 sentence one prisoner who pleaded guilty; whether the same number of days were allotted to each county; and, whether means will be adopted in the future to insure that sufficient time is given for the trial of causes at Carlisle.
§ SIR MATTHEW WHITE RIDLEYThe facts referred to in the hon. Member's question had not been brought to my notice, but I may state that the number of days allotted to each place in a circuit is arranged by the Judge himself, who goes the circuit, with as close adherence, however, as possible to the scheme of dates which was settled by Order in Council on the recommendation of the Judges. It is practically impossible to be certain beforehand how much time will be required at each place, but I am assured that the greatest care is taken by the Judges to insure that sufficient allowance is made.