HC Deb 27 July 1933 vol 280 cc2782-3
80. Mr. COCKS

asked the Attorney-General the number of defended and undefended cases in the divorce list for this term, and the number of cases in each category which have not yet been dealt with; and whether the services of the President of the Divorce Division are available for the trial of these cases?

The SOLICITOR-GENERAL (Sir Boyd Merriman)

As the reply includes a table of figures, with the hon. Member's permission, I will circulate the answer in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Mr. COCKS

Will the hon. and learned Gentleman kindly answer the second part of my question?

The SOLICITOR-GENERAL

If the hon. Member wishes, I will read the whole answer. It is as follows:

Number of Cases in Divorce List this term.
— Disposed of. Not dealt with. Total.
Defended … 85 131 216
Undefended … 430 78 508

It is expected that all the undefended cases will be disposed of this term, which, ends on 31st July.

Of the 131 defended cases not dealt: with, 23 are in that position by reason of" the inaction of the parties concerned.

Of the remainder, 37 are in fact undefended cases but for the fact that the petitioner seeks the exercise of the discretion of the court in his or her favour.

These cases, therefore, are not likely to occupy more than a day of one judge's time.

The services of the President of the Probate, Divorce and Admiralty Division are available for the trial of all such cases as above.

Mr. COCKS

Is it not a fact that great hardship is being caused to many unfortunate people, who cannot either get married or divorced, by the President being taken away from his usual duties for a considerable period?

The SOLICITOR-GENERAL

As the hon. Member will see when he reads the table of figures, many of the cases are undefended cases, in connection with which there can be no arrears.