72. Lieut.-Colonel SAND EMAN ALLENasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether his attention has been drawn to the fact that the cost to Major Oliver Stewart of defending himself when convicted by the Kingston 1787 magistrates on 8th October of exceeding the speed limit in a built-up area, and of his appeal to Surrey Quarter Sessions on 23rd October, at which the conviction was quashed, was over £200; and, in view of the fact that the costs given against the police will fall short of this amount, will he bring in legislation to reduce the costs of appeal in all cases?
§ The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for the HOME DEPARTMENT (Mr. Geoffrey Lloyd)It is impracticable to limit by legislation the amount of costs which an appellant may choose to incur. When an appeal to quarter sessions is allowed and costs are awarded subject to taxation as in the present case, the actual sum to be allowed is such as the taxing officer may consider reasonable and proper in the circumstances. My right hon. Friend sees no occasion for any amendment of the law in the matter.
Lieut.-Colonel SAND EMAN ALLENDoes the hon. Gentleman realise that this appeal was made because the magistrates considered that the man could afford to appeal, and does he think it is right that advantage should be taken in that way in order that a decision may be reached as a test case which is in the interests of many?
§ Mr. JOHNSTONDoes the hon. Gentleman not think that in any event, whatever may be the means, it should be the duty of the Government to see that justice is cheapened?
§ Sir ARCHIBALD SINCLAIRIs it not a fact that if the gentleman concerned had not been able to afford an expenditure of £200, he would not have been able successfully to appeal?
§ Mr. TURTONIs it not a fact that if the man had not had money he could have taken advantage of the Summary Jurisdiction Appeals Act, which would have cost him nothing?