§ 58. Mr. Liddallasked the Attorney-General whether he is aware of the continued delay in trying cases in the King's Bench Division owing to the inability of the existing official organisation at the Law Courts to remedy the present confusion; and will he appoint a manager of the lists, as recommended two years ago by paragraphs 149 to 167 of the report of the Peel Commission?
§ The Solicitor-GeneralMy Noble and learned Friend the Lord Chancellor is aware that there is a considerable number of cases awaiting trial in the King's Bench Division. With a hope of improving the position, three Lords Justices have been appointed under the terms of the Supreme Court of judicature (Amendment) Act, 1938, and my hon. Friend will observe that two such Lords Justices have been till recently sitting as additional Judges of the King's Bench Division and thereby rendering considerable assistance in relation to arrears. It is hoped that further measures may be taken at an early date to enable the work of the King's Bench Division to be dealt with more expeditiously. The Lord Chancellor does not think that the non-appointment of a manager of the lists is responsible for the present arrears. He hopes, as I have stated, to remedy the present position, which is constantly in his mind, and he intends to discuss it again at an early date with the proper authorities.