§ MR. HENNIKER HEATON (Canterbury)I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether there is to be a summer assize for Kent; whether he is aware that the last assizes began at Maidstone on 29th May, and that the next arranged begins on 16th November, or a period of a few days over six lunar months; and whether he will make inquiries so as to prevent the wrongs already referred to through 393 innocent persons being detained without trial for many months?
§ SIR MATTHEW WHITE RIDLEYThe assize which began on May 29th, but was held substantially in June, was the summer assize. I am aware that the next assize will not begin till November 16th; but I can only say that, though the interval is a long one, the assize arrangements were settled after the fullest consideration of all the difficulties and different interests involved. I do not know what inquiries the hon. Member wishes me to make, but it by no means follows, if there are cases of innocent persons being detained without trial for many months, that the assize arrangements are responsible for the detention.