§ 19 Lieut.-Colonel Liptonasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what provision is being made for additional juvenile courts in South London to deal with the growing number of cases.
§ Sir D. Maxwell FyfeLast August, in order to relieve the congestion at Lambeth Juvenile Court, it was arranged that the court should sit twice instead of once a week. Alternative premises are being sought for the second court, and also for the South-Eastern Juvenile Court which sits at Tower Bridge.
§ Lieut.-Colonel LiptonWhile realising that these additional provisions are a regrettable necessity, may I ask the Home Secretary whether he will examine the disturbing implications of what is apparently the growing number of juvenile cases in South London in the light of the 14 per cent, reduction in the number of juvenile convictions throughout the country as a whole, which he announced the other day?
§ Sir D. Maxwell FyfeCertainly. I am very glad that the hon. and gallant Gentleman mentioned the 14 per cent., for it is always a good thing to remember the good side of questions. I will certainly bear in mind the other point which he made.