HC Deb 23 October 1902 vol 113 cc612-3
MR. FLYNN (Cork, N.)

I beg to ask Mr. Attorney General whether his attention has been directed to the charge of the Recorder at the Central Criminal Court on the 20th inst., and to his remarks respecting the calendar, and the number of prisoners, and the offences; and will he state how many prisoners out of the 116 names on the calendar are charged with murder or attempts to murder; what interval has elapsed since the last sessions; and, in view of the learned Recorder's statement, do the Government intend to propose legislation of an exceptional character for the metropolitan area.

THE ATTORNEY GENERAL (Sir ROBERT FINLAY, Inverness Burghs)

I have made inquiries on this subject. Seven persons out of a calendar of 116 were charged with murder or attempted murder.

MR. FLYNN

Do I understand that 116 cases occurred since 9th September?

SIR ROBERT FINLAY

I cannot say when they occurred.

MR. FLYNN

Does not the hon. Gentleman consider that in the circumstances some exceptional legislation such as a Crimes Act is necessary.

SIR ROBERT FINLAY

Not in England: not in the slightest degree. The sittings of the Central Criminal Court are sufficiently frequent to cope with the business.