Mr. MacCALLUM SCOTTasked whether in many of the poorer districts the only large class of people who possess the property qualification to serve on a special jury are those connected with the licensed trade; that out of 132 persons on the special jury list for Bermondsey 111 were connected with the licensed trade; that in political libel actions the plaintiff frequently has a direct inducement to have the case tried before a special jury because of its political bias; and whether he can now state when an inquiry into the method of selecting juries will be instituted?
§ Mr. McKENNAThe figures for Bermondsey given by my hon. Friend are, I believe, substantially correct. I have no reason to doubt that the hon. Member's reflections on the existing jury system are to a considerable extent justified, and I 1269 am now considering the constitution of the Committee to which I propose to refer the question of the best way of amending it.
Mr. MacCALLUM SCOTTDoes the right hon. Gentleman expect to be able to constitute the inquiry this Session?
§ Mr. McKENNAYes, Sir; certainly, I hope so—immediately almost.
§ Earl WINTERTONCould not the difficulty be got over if all members of juries to try political libels in future were chosen from members of the Gladstone League?
§ Mr. GEORGE GREENWOODWill the right hon. Gentleman consider the advisability of introducing legislation to take away from plaintiffs in all cases the power to demand special juries as a right?
§ Mr. McKENNAI have no doubt that is one of the questions which will be considered.