§ 68. Captain ERSKINE-BOLSTasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will consider drawing the attention of the magistrates concerned to the practice of other courts in dispensing 702 with recognisances in appeal cases, and recommending that they should adopt a similar policy in respect of police court charges, especially in view of the fact that the funishing of such recognisances is beyond the power of the poorer defendants?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for the HOME DEPARTMENT (Sir Herbert Samuel)I am not quite sure what other courts the question refers to, but as regards appeals in criminal cases from Courts of Summary Jurisdiction to Courts of Quarter Sessions, I am advised that the recognisance should be fixed in such a stun as will cover the reasonable costs of the respondent in supporting the decision appealed against and will ensure the appeal being duly proceeded with.
Captain ERSKI NE-BOLSTIs my right hon. Friend aware of the very serious hardship that this imposes on poor people? I understand that in other courts appeals are permitted without recognisances, whereas in these police courts very big sums are required.
§ Sir H. SAMUELIt is statutory under the Summary Jurisdiction Act of 1879. I have no other power.
§ Mr. HOLFORD KNIGHTWill my right hon. Friend look into the matter, when he will see that the sum of £50 is absolutely prohibitive before there is an appeal against a decision?
§ Sir H. SAMUELYes, I have looked into the matter, and I may have occasion to ask the House to appoint a Select Committee to go into it. I realise that there is a real grievance.