§ MR. NIELD (Middlesex, Ealing)To ask the First Commissioner of Works, if he will state upon what representation or requisition the temporary court in the central hall of the Royal Courts of Justice was erected; how long it was maintained; the number of days it was used as a court for the trial of causes, and by whom; and what has been the cost to the public of constructing, furnishing, and maintaining such court.
(Answered by Mr. Harcourt). The temporary court in the central hall was requisitioned by the Lord Chief Justice, with the consent of the Lord Chancellor, on the 10th December, 1907, for use on the 16th idem. It was maintained for eight weeks, that is until the 10th instant. The court was used by Mr. 797 Justice Darling for the trial of causes for one day, the 19th December, and for a half-day on the 20th December. The illness of a judge enabled Mr. Justice Darling thereafter to use one of the ordinary courts. The total cost of constructing, furnishing, and maintaining the court has been £27 10s.