HC Deb 21 July 1938 vol 338 cc2398-9
16. Mr. Muff

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether his Department will give a detailed 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. Muff

Could 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. Hoare

I 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.

Mr. Leach

Will the right hon. Gentleman send a copy of this to the city council?