§ 53. Mr. Hopkinasked the Attorney-General the number of judgments in default of appearance signed in the High Court for the year ending 31st December, 1937, for sums not exceeding £20, sums exceeding £20 but not exceeding £40, and sums exceeding £40 but not exceeding £100, respectively; and whether, with a view of saving expense to defendants and relieving the High Court of some of its work, he will introduce legislation to compel plaintiffs in future to issue all such actions in the county courts?
§ The Attorney-General (Sir Donald Somervell)The number of judgments in default of appearance signed in the High Court for the year ended 31st December, 1937, was 11,545. Of these 774 were under £20, 5,717 were for £20 and over but less than £40, and 5,054 were for £40 and over but less than £100,These are the nearest figures available to those asked for by the hon. Member. So far as these cases are concerned there is presumably no defence to the claim and the remedy may be quicker or more effective in the High Court. With regard to other cases, as the hon. Member is aware, there are provisions both for remitting actions to county courts and in certain cases for penalising in the matter of costs those who improperly start cases in the High Court. The relief given to the judges by the hon. Member's proposal would, I think, be very small, and I do not think legislation on the lines suggested would be justified.