HC Deb 20 October 1942 vol 383 c1826
38. Mr. Thorne

asked the Attorney-General whether, in his consideration of reforms of the police courts, it is proposed to have a person with legal qualification to be the chairman for every court?

The Attorney-General (Sir Donald Somervell)

My hon. Friend's Question no doubt refers to petty sessional courts and not to police courts, in which a stipendiary magistrate sits. My Noble Friend will carefully consider whether the proposal mentioned by my hon. Friend is practicable and desirable when the question of the reforms to which he refers comes up for decision.

Mr. R. C. Morrison

Will the right hon. and learned Gentleman bear in mind that in police courts common sense is more important than legal qualifications?

Mr. Glenvil Hall

Will the right hon. and learned Gentleman also remember that common sense is frequently absent?

The Attorney-General

Common sense and legal knowledge are not mutually exclusive.

Mr. Hannah

Is not common sense a most uncommon thing?