HC Deb 05 February 1948 vol 446 c1900
43. Mrs. Middleton

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he is yet in a position to state when the report of the Commission on the appointment and functions of magistrates is to be published.

Mr. Ede

I understand that the Royal Commission on Justices of the Peace are making satisfactory progress and that it is hoped that the report may be ready for publication in a few months.

Mrs. Middleton

Can my right hon. Friend tell the House why this Report has been so unduly delayed?

Mr. Ede

I should not have thought this Royal Commission was proceeding with any delay. It has been appointed in the lifetime of this Parliament. It has heard a great deal of evidence, and is investigating a very intricate and delicate subject. I hope it will not be many months before the report is in our hands, and I think the Commission should be commended for the speed with which they have acted.