HC Deb 08 February 1934 vol 285 c1282
22. Major JESSON

asked the Home Secretary whether he will introduce legislation to give examining justices the power to ask accused persons charged with indictable offences whether they plead guilty or not guilty, and thereby in pleas of guilty obviating the necessity and expense of transporting witnesses to the subsequent trial?

Sir J. GILMOUR

Parliament did not approve of this proposal when it was considered in 1925, and I do not see my way to introduce legislation for this purpose.