§ Mr. BRIDGEMANasked whether any proposal has been made to remove the Court of Oyer and Terminer and General Gaol Delivery, hitherto sitting at Shrewsbury, to the city of Birmingham; and whether, in view of the inconvenience to prosecutors, witnesses, jurymen, and others having business at these assizes, an opportunity will be given for the discussion of the proposal in this House before it is carried into effect?
§ Mr. LLOYDasked whether, in regard to the scheme for the alteration of the assize circuits throughout England, it is proposed to move the assize business now transacted at Stafford to Birmingham; 851 whether the Home Secretary is aware of the feelings held on this subject by the various localities and authorities concerned; and whether he will give them an assurance that no decisive steps shall be taken without the advice and full knowledge of the localities concerned?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLI can only refer to the answer which I gave to the hon. Member for the Western Division of Cumberland last Wednesday. The matter is not one for my Department, but the Solicitor-General informed the House some time ago, in reply to questions from hon. Members, that opportunity will be given for discussion in the House of any proposals involving any substantial alteration in the present circuit system.
§ Mr. GODFREY LOCKER-LAMPSONWill an opportunity be afforded for discussing the matter?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLAll questions relating to the business of the House should be addressed to the Prime Minister.
§ Mr. BRIDGEMANWould the alteration referred to be considered a substantial one?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLI should not like to say without seeing what other alterations there are in contemplation.