HC Deb 15 December 1932 vol 273 cc516-7
65. Mr. OWEN EVANS

asked the Attorney-General whether the committee appointed by the Lord Chancellor to consider the state of business in the Supreme Court includes representatives of chambers of commerce and other bodies representing trade and industry which are concerned in the administration of justice; and, if not, whether he will represent the desirability of adding a number of such persons to the committee?

Sir VICTOR WARRENDER (Vice-Chamberlain of the Household)

I have been asked to reply. The committee appointed by the Lord Chancellor will have as its main object to consider highly technical matters, and for this reason, and in order that it should be of workable size and should, so far as the subject matter allows, be enabled to act with expedition, the Lord Chancellor has composed it solely of lawyers. The chambers of commerce and such other bodies as are mentioned in the question can be of great assistance to the committee by furnishing memoranda and, if it is thought desirable, by tendering evidence before it. They may be assured that the point of view of the commercial community will not be overlooked.

Mr. KNIGHT

Will my hon. Friend communicate with the Attorney-General as to whether memoranda and reports of chambers of commerce and other bodies mentioned in the question will come under the consideration of the committee?

Sir V. WARRENDER

Yes, I will.

Mr. MAXTON

Can the hon. Gentleman tell us what reasons led the Lord Chancellor to the conclusion that a committee of lawyers would move expeditiously?

Sir V. WARRENDER

Common sense.