HC Deb 14 July 1960 vol 626 cc1586-7
24. Mr. Bellenger

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he has now given further consideration to the Report of the Tucker Committee on Proceedings before Examining Justices; and when legislation on the recommendations of the Committee is likely to be introduced.

26. Mr. C. Royle

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he has given further consideration to the Report of the Departmental Committee on Proceedings before Examining Justices, Command Paper No. 479, 1958; and if it is his intention to implement some or all of that Report.

Mr. R. A. Butler

I am considering this matter in the context of various suggestions which have been made about proceedings before examining justices, but I have at present nothing to add to the replies which I gave to my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for Nottingham, Central (Lt.-Col. Cordeaux) on 19th May and to my hon. Friend, the Member for Brentford and Chiswick (Mr. Dudley Smith) on 26th May.

Mr. Bellenger

As the right hon. Gentleman has already admitted in the House, after a Question I put to him concerning a case in my own constituency which was heard before the magistrates in camera, that there is a need for amendment of the appropriate Act, will he now consider introducing an Amendment in another place in connection with the present Bill, which, I think, would be not very difficult if he applied his mind to it?

Mr. Butler

I am advised that that is rather difficult. There is not at present a Parliamentary occasion to do this. I am aware of the case at Worksop, and I am aware of the need to pay attention not only to the right hon. Gentleman's representations but to the merits of the case.