§ SIR WALTER FOSTER (Derby, Ilkeston)I beg to ask the Attorney General if his attention has been called to the ordinary form of English oath as administered in courts of justice; and whether it is the intention of the Government to introduce a Bill to alter the ordinary form of English oath, and to abolish the objectionable practice known as kissing the book in the administration of oaths of all descriptions?
§ THE ATTORNEY GENERAL (Sir RICHARD WEBSTER,) Isle of WightMy attention has been called to the question of the desirability of changing the form of oath, but I think that the fear of infection has been somewhat exaggerated. I would remind the hon. Member that under the provisions of the Oaths Act 1888, witnesses are now permitted to take oath in Scotch form under which it is unnecessary to kiss the book. I will, however, consider whether any further amendment of the law is required.