§ 23. Lieut.-Colonel Liptonasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what action he is taking on the resolution adopted by the County of London justices on 29th October last, of which he has a copy, requesting increased powers for lay justices in the County of London.
§ Sir D. Maxwell FyfeI am carefully considering the resolution of the County of London justices, and shall send them a considered reply as soon as possible.
§ Lieut.-Colonel LiptonAs the County of London justices have for some time said that the duties entrusted to them are of a very lenient character compared with the duties of justices outside the London area, will the right hon. and learned Gentleman see that the best possible use is made of their services in the future?
§ Sir D. Maxwell FyfeYes, but I would remind the House that among recent measures that have been taken to reduce the congestion in the Metropolitan courts and use the justices in question are the setting up of a special domestic proceedings court and the making of arrangements for justices to sit in a spare room at Bow Street.