HC Deb 12 December 1929 vol 233 cc636-7
25. Sir KINGSLEY WOOD

asked the Home Secretary whether he has given further consideration to the observations of the Recorder of London in a recent case and calling attention to the Sex Disqualification Removal Act, 1919, and how, in virtue of an ancient right of challenge, the provisions of the Act have been rendered inoperative; and whether he has any proposal to make in the matter?

Mr. CLYNES

I would refer the right hon. Member to the reply given to him on 25th November, when it was pointed out that the rights of men and women in this matter are the same. I have no proposal to make in the matter.

Sir K. WOOD

Is not the right hon. Gentleman aware that in this particular case, which was the case of a serious offence against a young child, by this right of challenge women were altogether excluded from the jury; does he not think that a case of that kind is eminently one where women ought to sit; and is he not going to take some steps to remedy that state of affairs, to which the judge at the trial called public attention?

Mr. CLYNES

With the question of a remedy I cannot deal at this moment, but there are many circumstances in this case which I shall be glad to explain to the right hon. Gentleman.

Miss PICTON-TURBERVILL

Is the Home Secretary aware that on the 19th November, at Winchester, the Judge called upon two women to leave the jury, and that they were immediately replaced by two men; that that was a case of misdemeanour—

Mr. SPEAKER

The question on the Paper refers to a case before the Recorder of London.