HC Deb 15 November 1937 vol 329 cc26-7
47. Sir W. Davison

asked the Attorney-General whether it is the intention of the Government to appoint an additional judge in the King's Bench Division; and when the necessary steps to enable such an appointment to be made will be taken?

The Attorney-General (Sir Donald Somervell)

My Noble Friend the Lord Chancellor has been in communication with the Lord Chief Justice on the matter to which my hon. Friend's question relates. In his opinion there is at present no need to appoint an additional judge to the King's Bench Division inasmuch as there is good ground for believing the existing number of judges is equal to the work, especially as the new arrangements concerning official shorthand notes should save a good deal of judicial time. The whole question, however, of strengthening the judiciary is under constant review by my Noble Friend, who will continue to keep a watchful eye upon it.

Sir W. Davison

Is my hon. and learned Friend aware that considerable arrears of work exist in the King's Bench Division and that additional work will be thrown upon it by recent legislation which will come into force in January next; and why should not these arrears be cleared away when the appointment of an additional judge would cost little or nothing because of the fees which the courts earn?

The Attorney-General

I can only repeat what I said in my answer, that in the opinion of the Lord Chief Justice the present number of judges is equal to the work and to any arrears which may exist. The whole question is under constant revision by my Noble Friend, and he will continue to keep a watchful eye on it. If there is an increase, that will be a matter for consideration.

Mr. Thorne

Is the reason for the appointment of two judges that so many people will not behave themselves?

Mr. Silverman

Will the attention of the Lord Chancellor be directed, in addition to the arrears in London, to the congestion at assizes and to the fact that at assize after assize it is impossible, even when two judges are on circuit, for the work to be disposed of in the allotted time?

The Attorney-General

My Noble Friend will take all matters into account, and I will certainly take note of what the hon. Gentleman says.