§ 16. Mr. Muffasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether his Department will give a detailed 2399 report on the court accommodation at the Town Hall, Bradford; and what prospect there is of the present congestion being eliminated?
§ The Secretary of State for the Home Department (Sir Samuel Hoare)The responsibility for providing court accommodation rests with the local authority, and I have no powers in the matter. I understand that the existing accommodation is admitted to be inadequate, and that the question of improving it is still under consideration. I hope that the local authority may be able to reach a satisfactory solution without undue delay.
§ Mr. MuffCould the right hon. Gentleman send an officer to see that at any rate a retiring room for female witnesses is provided? This is becoming a scandal.
§ Sir S. HoareI must be very careful how I interfere with the responsibilities of the local authority. I hope that the answer I have given to the hon. Member will call the attention of the local authority to the fact that I regard this question as urgent.