HC Deb 19 May 1960 vol 623 cc1459-60
10. Mr. A. Roberts

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department in view of the delay in dealing with court cases in Yorkshire due to the large increase in the number of such cases, if he will consider introducing legislation to establish a Crown Court in Yorkshire.

Mr. Vosper

My right hon. Friend is aware that the increase in the number of cases committed to the superior courts for trial has caused difficulties in Yorkshire and elsewhere. The problem is under examination by the Interdepartmental Committee on the Business of the Criminal Courts and my right hon. Friend would prefer not to comment on the hon. Member's proposal until he has had the opportunity of considering the Committee's report.

Mr. Roberts

Will the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind that the Magistrates' Association, in submitting to the Streatfeild Committee its evidence, has established that there should be a Crown Court where there is a case-load of over 700 per year? Will he bear in mind that it would ease the very heavy pressure which now exists during brief periods in dealing with a large number of cases?

Mr. Vosper

Yes, it was the Streatfeild Committee to which I referred. I am quite certain that it will have regard to the hon. Member's point of view.

Mr. Hobson

Can my right hon. Friend indicate when the report of the Streatfeild Committee will be available?

Mr. Vosper

No. I should not like to comment on that, except that I believe it has more or less completed the taking of evidence. I certainly hope that the report will be available before the end of this year.