HC Deb 10 May 1900 vol 82 cc1250-1
MR. STEADMAN (Tower Hamlets, Stepney)

I beg to ask Mr. Attorney General will he explain why His Honour Judge Bacon has decided not to sit at the Whitechapel County Court until the 14th of May, thereby causing inconvenience to many hundreds of litigants.

SIR ROBERT FINLAY

Information has been received from the learned Judge that he arranged his vacation at a time when the business of the Court would best permit of his absence, and that it is quite a mistake to suggest that he is causing inconvenience to many hundred of litigants. I believe the learned Judge, who has been for twenty-four years Judge of the Court, was obliged to extend his holiday in consequence of ill-health.

MR. STEADMAN

May I ask the hon. and learned Gentleman if it is not the fact that all the other Courts in London have been open for some weeks past, and that the only case where the Court has been closed is in this poorer district?

SIR ROBERT FINLAY

I am not aware; I shall be happy to communicate with the hon. Member.