§ 26. Sir ARNOLD WILSONasked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been called to the growing volume and complexity of the laws administered by and governing the practice of courts of summary jurisdiction; and whether he will consider setting up a committee to consider what amendments of the law are desirable for facilitating consolidation 1705 and securing simplicity and uniformity, and the possibility of extending the employment of stipendiary magistrates?
§ Sir J. SIMONI realise that a consolidation of the existing law would have great advantages in facilitating the work of courts of summary jurisdiction, but it has hitherto proved impracticable to undertake the prolonged survey which would be necessary before a consolidation Bill could be framed. The question has been noted for further consideration when opportunity can be found. In the meantime, as the Under-Secretary of State informed my hon. Friend in reply to a question on Tuesday last, I am considering the possibility of inquiring into certain special aspects of the work of the courts. I think that progress is more likely to be made in this way than by any general inquiry covering a variety of different issues.
§ Sir A. WILSONWill the right hon. Gentleman consider consolidating and amending, or at least reprinting, the Home Office circulars concerning this matter, many of which are out of print, unindexed and not even bound?
§ Sir J. SIMONI will consider that.
§ Mr. WATKINSWhen he considers that matter, will the right hon. Gentleman also take into consideration the fact that, especially in rural areas, the benches are weighted unfairly and are almost entirely monopolised by representatives of one section of the community?
§ Sir J. SIMONThat is entirely a matter for the Lord Chancellor, and is not a Home Office question.