§ THE EARL OF HALSBURYMy Lords, I beg to ask the Lord Chancellor a Question of which I have given him private notice, as to the stops that are being taken with reference to the state of business in the Court of Appeal.
§ THE LORD CHANCELLOR (Lord LOREBURN)My Lords, there is undoubtedly a very serious arrear of business, and through no fault at all of the Judges of the Court of Appeal. They have done their utmost, but there is a heavy arrear which I am quite satisfied ought to be cleared off if the business of the Courts of Justice is to be efficiently conducted. For that purpose I have brought in a Bill which has passed through your Lordships' House and is really in the nature of a Bill providing for emergencies. I hope that the Bill may be allowed to become law, and then I think we shall be able to take in hand the clearance of the list in the Court of Appeal. In addition I have asked a number of distinguished gentlemen to act as a Committee to consider the working of the Judicature Acts and to report whether any alteration in the constitution or practice of the Courts is advisable. Lord Macnaghten has kindly consented to act as Chairman, and I myself propose to serve on the Committee, though I am afraid I shall not be able to give so much attention to the matter as I would wish. The following have also consented to serve:—The Lord Chief Justice of England, the Master of the Rolls, the President of the Probate and Admiralty Division, Mr. Justice Bigham, Mr. Justice Warrington, the Attorney-General, Sir Robert Finlay, G.C.M.G., K.C., Mr. J. E. Bankes, K.C., Mr. S. A. T. Rowlatt, Mr. Willes Chitty, Mr. C. A. Coward, and Mr. William Cobbett. These gentlemen are all familiar with this subject, and I do not apprehend that much, if any, evidence will be required. I sincerely hope that the efforts of this Committee will enable us before long to get the whole of the business of the High Court of Justice placed on such a footing that there will be no delay and no arrears in the management of public business.