§ 31. Viscount SANDONasked the Home Secretary whether he has received any representations from Metropolitan magistraes on the subject of the extent of their hours al d duties and the nature of their distribution; whether he will state the facts of the case; and what action he proposes to take?
§ Sir V. JOYNSON-HICKSAs I indicated in my reply to a question by my hon. and learned Friend the Member for the South-West Division of Kingstonupon-Hull (Mr. Grotrian) on Thursday last, I have for some time past been aware of the pressure under which the London magistracy has been working, and hay been considering, in consulta- 1415 tion with the Treasury, means of relieving the position. I am now in communication with the chief magistrate, and shall be in a position to announce a decision very shortly. The facts of the case cannot be dealt with adequately in a reply to a Parliamentary question.
§ Mr. T. WILLIAMSHas the right hon. Gentleman had any representations as to the long working hours of the miners?
§ Mr. THURTLEDoes the Home Secretary think that the present working hours of the magistrates are more unreasonable than the present working hours of the miners?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSNo, Sir.