HC Deb 21 July 1955 vol 544 c543
16. Mr. H. Hynd

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will adopt the recommendations of the Departmental Committee on the Summary Trial of Minor Offences.

18. Mr. Janner

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will make a statement on the Report of the Departmental Committee on the Summary Trial of Minor Offences; and what steps he proposes to take in respect of its recommendations.

Major Lloyd-George

I am considering the recommendations of the Committee, whose Report was published a few days ago, but I am not yet in a position to make a statement.

Mr. Hynd

Will the Home Secretary consider this as a matter of urgency, in view of the large amount of time occupied by police in magistrates' courts when, many people think, they might be better occupied elsewhere?

Major Lloyd-George

I share the Committee's view on the need to prevent waste of time. The Report was published only on 15th July, last week. I will do everything I can to speed up the matter.

Mr. Janner

While I thank the right hon. and gallant Gentleman for considering this matter as one of extreme urgency, may I ask whether he will also pay very close attention to the question of safeguarding people from pleading guilty when they are not quite sure what is the offence alleged against them?

Major Lloyd-George

I am looking into the whole matter and I shall study the Committee's recommendations very carefully. Hon. Gentlemen should realise that legislation will be necessary. I will take all those factors into account.