HC Deb 01 September 1939 vol 351 cc218-9

[Lords].

Order for Second Reading read.

11.28 p.m.

Mr. Colville

I beg to move, "That the Bill be now read a Second time."

This Bill contains provision regarding the sittings of the Scottish courts which are similar to those proposed for the English courts in the Bill we have just passed. Power is taken to vary the time and place of sitting of the Court of Session, the High Court of Justiciary and the Sheriff Courts. The number of jurors in criminal and other cases is reduced to seven, five being required for a majority verdict. No civil case shall be tried by a jury unless the court thinks it ought to be so tried. No vacancy in the Court of Session will be filled unless the Lord President certifies that the state of business makes it necessary. The Measure is really a counterpart of the English Bill we have already passed.

Question, "That the Bill be now read a Second time," put, and agreed to.

Bill read a Second time.

Resolved, That this House will immediately resolve itself into the Committee on the Bill."[Mr. Colville.] Bill accordingly considered in Committee; reported, without Amendment; read the Third time, and passed, without Amendment.