HC Deb 08 December 1926 vol 200 cc2099-100
44. Mr. W. BAKER

asked the Attorney-General boy, many of the cases set down for trial prior to 1st January. 1926, have been heard, and how many have been settled out of Court?

The ATTORNEY-GENERAL (Sir Douglas Hogg)

1,968 cases were set down for trial or hearing at 31st December, 1925. All these, except five which are not ready for hearing, have been heard or withdrawn or stayed, or have abated or arc standing over or standing over generally, or are part-heard or (being probate and matrimonial cases) have been transferred to the reserve list.

47. Mr. W. BAKER

asked the Attorney-General the number of causes of all kinds which arc awaiting trial at the Law Courts?

The ATTORNEY GENERAL

1,786 appeals and other cases and matters were set down for hearing or trial on the 25th November, 1926.

Mr. MARDY JONES

Is it not a fact that Judges now on Circuit, particularly in the mining counties of this country, are being over-worked in passing vindictive sentences on miners?

Mr. SPEAKER

The hon. Member is abusing Question Time.

48. Mr. W. BAKER

asked the Attorney-General whether he is aware that all cases to be heard in London are delayed at least four times as long as actions to be tried at Assizes; and whether steps can be taken to keep a minimum of six King's Bench Judges in London?

The ATTORNEY-GENERAL

I am not aware and it is net the fact that all cases to be heard in London are delayed four times as long as actions to be tried at Assizes. In answer to the last part of the question, the number of King's Bench Judges sitting in London during the present Sittings, op to and including the 25th November, has never fallen below seven except upon the first day of the Sittings. The average number is slightly over nine.