§ 33 and 34. Mr. E. Fletcherasked the Attorney-General (1) when the Council of Judges last met to consider the operation of the Judicature Act and the Rules of Court; and what recommendations were made;
(2) what steps are being taken to bring about a complete revision of the Rules of Court as recommended by the Evershed Committee in 1951.
§ The Solicitor-General (Sir Harry Hylton-Foster)The last meeting to consider the operation of the Judicature Act and Rules of Court was held on 9th April, 1952, when the Council recommended the resumption of the practice of observing the Sovereign's Birthday. Arrangements have been made, with the approval of the Supreme Court Rule Committee, for the revision of the Rules to be undertaken in the Consolidation Branch of the Office of Parliamentary Counsel, and this work is now in progress.
§ Mr. FletcherDoes the Solicitor-General therefore agree that the present practice and procedure of the Supreme Court are laid down in an unnecessarily complex form? May we take it that everything will be done to reduce them to greater simplicity and brevity at an early date?
§ The Solicitor-GeneralYes, Sir. The most highly skilled persons possible are employed on that formidable task.