HC Deb 04 October 1939 vol 351 cc1954-5
60. Mr. Ede

asked the Attorney-General how many courts of quarter sessions have applied to the Lord Chancellor for the approval of a legally qualified chairman as defined by recent legislation; in how many cases has approval been given; and how many courts have made no such application?

The Attorney-General (Sir Donald Somervell)

Application has been made and approval has been granted for the appointment of legally qualified chairmen or deputy-chairmen to 31 courts. In addition there are 21 courts which have the extended jurisdiction as the chairman or deputy-chairman is already a legally qualified person under the Administration of Justice (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, 1938, without appointment. Seven courts have not, so far, made application for the appointment of a legally qualified chairman or deputy-chairman under the Act.

Mr. Ede

Have any representations been made to those courts which have taken no action?

The Attorney-General

I could not answer that question without notice.