HC Deb 20 March 1911 vol 23 c40
Mr. NEVILLE

asked the Home Secretary whether, in view of his statement to a deputation from the Parliamentary Committee of the Trades Union Congress that the jury system in this country had long departed from the thoroughly old-fashioned British democratic theory on which it had been based, he will state in what way the jury system has so departed; and whether he proposes to take any steps, by legislation or otherwise, to deal with the matter?

Mr. CHURCHILL

The juries, at any rate in the Superior Courts, are, I understand, almost entirely drawn from one or two special classes, and wage-earners are practically excluded. The matter cannot satisfactorily be dealt with without legislation; and I think it will be desirable that before legislation is undertaken the whole question should be the subject of an inquiry.