HC Deb 07 August 1947 vol 441 cc1634-5
43. Mr. E. Fletcher

asked the Attorney-General what are the normal hours of sitting in the divisions of the High Court at the present time; and how do these compare with the prewar hours of sitting.

The Attorney-General (Sir Hartley Shawcross)

The normal hours are 10.30 a.m. to 4 p.m., excluding Saturdays. They were the same before the war.

Mr. Fletcher

Could my right hon. and learned Friend say whether this applies to all divisions of the High Court at the present time?

The Attorney-General

Substantially all divisions in London, but the hours on circuit, of course, are very different.

Mr. Marlowe

Would the right hon. and learned Gentleman agree that His Majesty's High Court judges are the only section of the community who have remained on the same salary since it was fixed against the cost of living in 1832, and does he propose any increase?

The Attorney-General

That does not appear to arise out of the Question.

Mr. Leslie Hale

When the Attorney-General addresses an appeal to His Majesty's justices for more productivity, will he make a request for longer hours of sitting, and not for longer sentences?