§ 20. Mr. SNELLasked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that the existing practice in regard to the figures of police court separations of husbands and wives is to include them in the criminal statistics under the head of quasi-criminal matters; and will he consider removing this reflection upon poor people, whose only remedy lies through a punitive court by including the figures in the civil and judicial statistics?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSIt is not, easy to think of an entirely suitable heading to cover the miscellaneous matters dealt with in certain parts of the criminal statistics, and it is for the general convenience to have the particulars shown in that volume; but I will consider whether a more suitable heading can be framed.
§ 24. Mr. SNELLasked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that dissatisfaction exists with the system of investigation of matrimonial cases of separation, etc., by the police court administration; and will he consider the advisability of establishing special courts to deal with such cases affecting the poor?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSI have seen some criticisms, but I believe that the interests of persons of modest means have been well served by the extension of the jurisdiction of the Summary courts in these matters, and I know of no ground for considering any change of system.