§ MR. S. WOODS (Essex, Walthamstow)I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if his attention has been called to the fact that on several occasions recently, the last one on Thursday, 24th February, at the County Police Court, Newton, Lancashire, cases have had to be adjourned through the lack of attendance of the magistrates; and whether, with a view of avoiding the annoyance and expense, he will make representations to those responsible in the matter, and, if necessary, see to the appointment of additional magistrates?
§ THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR THE HOME DEPARTMENT (Sir MATTHEW WHITE RIDLEY,) Lancashire, N., BlackpoolI have made inquiries about this, and am informed that there is always a sufficient attendance of magistrates for ordinary cases. On two occasions within the last 12 months cases under the Coal Mines Acts have had to be adjourned because three out of the four magistrates present on each occasion were disqualified from adjudicating, except with the consent of the parties. This, however, hardly seems to me a sufficient ground for taking any action.