§ 72. Captain W. BENNasked the Attorney-General whether his attention has been called to the remarks made in the Court of Appeal on Friday, 7th July, in the case of Ford v. Blurton and Ford v. Sauber; and whether the Government intend to introduce legislation to restore the right of trial by jury?
73. Mr. MALONEasked the Attorney-General whether his attention has been 1720 drawn to the judgment delivered in the Court of Appeal last; week in the appeals of Ford v. Blurton and Ford v. Sauber; whether he is aware that their Lordships expressed the opinion that the result of the wording of Section 2 (1) of the Administration of Justice Act, 1920, is to abolish, except in certain enumerated cases, the right of the subject to trial by jury: and whether, in view of the importance to the community, especially to the poorer and weaker members, he will forthwith introduce legislation to amend the 1920 Act and restore in full the right of trial by jury?
41. Mr. FOOTasked the Prime Minister whether he is aware of the statements made by the Lords Justices of Appeal in the Court of Appeal on 6th July that the effect of the Administration of Justice Act, 1920, is that the British subject is permanently deprived of his right to have Common Law actions tried by a jury; whether he will have regard to the hope expressed by the Lords Justices that the right may be restored; and will he take steps accordingly?
§ The ATTORNEY-GENERAL (Sir Ernest Pollock)I do not in all respects accept the description given in these questions of the effect either of the Statute or of the judgment of the case referred to. The whole matter is at present under the consideration of the Supreme Court Rule Committee, and will receive the consideration of the Lord Chancellor and myself. The subject is too extensive to permit me to deal with it exhaustively by question and answer.