HC Deb 22 July 1912 vol 41 c794
88. Mr. HUME-WILLIAMS

asked the Attorney-General if he will state how many special, common, and non-jury cases, respectively, have been tried in the High Court in London on the Common Law side since 1st July last; what chance, if any, there is of the arrears in the King's Bench Division being overtaken before the long vacation; and how it is proposed in future to provide suitors with a reasonably prompt trial?

The ATTORNEY - GENERAL (Sir Rufus Isaacs)

Eight special jury and twelve common jury cases have been tried in the King's Bench Division between the 1st and the 18th of the present month. No cases from the non-jury list have been hoard during that period, but ten cases have been disposed of in the Commercial Court and five under Order XIV., Rule 8. There is no chance of the arrears in the King's Bench Division being overtaken before the long vacation. As the Prime Minister has already stated, the delay in the trial of King's Bench actions has been and is under the consideration of the Government. The Prime Minister will make an announcement on the subject before the adjournment for the Recess.

Sir EDWARD CARSON

Can the right hon. Gentleman give the figures?

Sir RUFUS ISAACS

I have not the figures at the moment, but I have already given them some weeks back.