HC Deb 31 March 1908 vol 187 cc296-7
MR. TALBOT (Oxford University)

To ask Mr. Attorney-General, whether, under Section 16 of The Criminal Appeal * In addition to this number there are two assistant clerks (new class) in the Statistical Office, who have been nominated for promotion to port clerkships subject to their passing the necessary qualifying examination Act, 1907, shorthand notes will be taken of the speeches of counsel, the evidence of witnesses, and the summing up of the Judge or chairman; and whether any arrangements are in contemplation for the employment of expert shorthand writers for the various Courts of Assize and quarter sessions.

(Answered by Sir William Robson.) The Judges of the Court of Criminal Appeal have made a rule dealing with the point raised in this Question as follows:—For the purpose of Section 16 of the Act proceedings at the trial shall mean the evidence and any objections taken in the course thereof, any statement made by the prisoner, the summing-up and sentence of the Judge of the Court of trial, but unless otherwise ordered by such Judge shall not include any part of the speeches of counsel or solicitor. This rule awaits the approval of the Lord Chancellor. I believe the Lord Chancellor will arrange for the appointment of expert shorthand writers.