HC Deb 13 February 1934 vol 285 cc1752-3
35. Mr. LUNN

asked the Attorney-General whether his attention has been drawn to paragraph 66 of the second interim Report of the Business of Courts Committee, in which it is stated that 33 out of 65 chairmen of quarter sessions are not trained in the law; and whether the Government propose to take any action in the matter?

The ATTORNEY-GENERAL (Sir Thomas Inskip)

As is indicated in the paragraph to which the hon. Member refers, the justices at Quarter Sessions, with whom the appointment rests, realise the desirability of selecting a chairman or deputy chairman skilled in the law, where circumstances allow such a course. The Committee do not report in favour of any change in the law, and I do not think that any change is at present necessary or advisable.

Mr. LUNN

Will the right hon. and learned Gentleman call the attention of Quarter Sessions to the opinion expressed in the report?

The ATTORNEY-GENERAL

I think that Quarter Sessions are fully alive to the advantages of having a lawyer.