§ 83. Lieut. - Commander FLETCHERasked the Home Secretary whether he will consider the appointment of a Royal Commission to inquire into the whole question of the magistracy with a view to rectifying the many existing anomalies and securing a more even and efficient administration of justice?
§ Mr. LLOYDIt seems doubtful whether a Royal Commission with so wide a field of reference as is suggested would be the most effective method of attaining the object which the hon. Member has in view. But consideration is being given to the question whether inquiries might profitably be instituted into specific matters of special importance connected with the organisation and procedure of the courts of summary jurisdiction.
§ Lieut.-Commander FLETCHERWill the Under-Secretary ask his right bon. Friend to bear in mind the fact that there is a very large number of aged and infirm magistrates who really never sit; and also the very varying sentences which are passed for practically identical offences, mostly motoring offences?