§ 2.46 p.m.
§ LORD AIREDALEMy Lords, I beg leave to ask the Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.
§ [The Question was as follows:
§ To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they have considered the Report of the Interdepartmental Committee on Magistrates' Courts in London (Cmnd. 1606) and, if so, what action they propose to take on it.]
THE JOINT PARLIAMENTARY UNDER-SECRETARY OF STATE FOR THE HOME DEPARTMENT (EARL BATHURST)My Lords, the Committee has produced a valuable Report, and I am glad to be able to express the Government's appreciation of the work of the chairman, Judge Aarvold, and the other members. The Report was published as recently as January 23, and I am not able to say more at this stage than that the Committee's recommendations are being carefully studied.
§ LORD AIREDALEMy Lords, I am much obliged to the noble Earl.
§ LORD OGMOREMy Lords, may I ask whether the noble Earl will ensure that the proposed reorganisation of the London courts will not be held up by the Greater London Plan?
EARL BATHURSTMy Lords, I do not know whether the noble Lord is sharpening his knives ready for a debate on this particular subject, but of course it was envisaged by that Committee that the results of their Report might have to be revised subject to what may be considered right in the Government's plan for the reorganisation of London.
§ LORD OGMOREMy Lords, is it not a fact that quite a lot of the details of the Report can be got on with, whether or not the Greater London Plan is eventually adopted?
EARL BATHURSTMy Lords, I do not know whether or not that is possible. If it is possible, no doubt they will be got on with; but obviously it will take a lot of consideration in the light of what may happen to Greater London.
§ BARONESS WOOTTON OF ABINGERMy Lords, can the noble Earl also assure us that the implementation of the recommendations will not be help up until new court buldings are provided, as contemplated in the Report?
EARL BATHURSTMy Lords, with great respect to the noble Lady, I think that that is rather outside the scope of this particular Question, but I will write to her.