§ 35. Mr. WATTasked the Attorney-General whether he will introduce legislation to prevent the bench in any criminal trials being occupied by relatives of the judges and others, in view of the fact that this practice is an innovation?
§ The SOLICITOR-GENERAL (Sir Gordon Hewart)No, Sir. It is true that from time to time at Assizes, but seldom otherwise, it happens that persons other than the judge and his officers are present on the bench by invitation or permission 1738 of the judge. So far as this can be called a practice it has always existed, and is in no sense an innovation.
§ Mr. WATTDoes the right hon. Gentleman say that this practice does not exist in the High Courts, London?
§ Sir G. HEWARTI am not quite sure that I follow what is meant by the expression that my hon. Friend has used: if the question is as to whether this ever happens in the London Courts, I dare say it sometimes does.