§ 49. Sir A. WILSONasked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that the existing procedure under the Indictable Offences Act has not been modified since 1848, at which time illiteracy was common, and that it tends to add to the cost of and delay in criminal proceedings; and whether he will consider the possibility of introducing proposals to amend the Act in order to improve, simplify, and cheapen the administration of justice?
§ Sir J. GILMOURMy hon. and gallant Friend is mistaken in thinking that the procedure has not been modified since 1848. The Indictable Offences Act has been considered and amended from time to time and I do not see my way at the present time to initiate any legislation on the subject.