§ Mr. HAYWARDasked the Attorney-General whether, on the trial of the persons charged with criminal offences, it is the practice for the presiding judge or magistrate, both in cases where such judge or magistrate is called upon to decide on the facts and otherwise, to have placed before him, prior to a verdict on the facts being given, a record of the previous convictions of the person charged; and, if so, whether the Government will consider the advisability of taking the necessary steps, by legislation or otherwise, to stop this practice?
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§ Sir RUFUS ISAACSIt is the practice for information to be supplied to the presiding Judge at the Assizes and also at Quarter Sessions regarding the previous, convictions (if any) of the person charged. This information is not disclosed in any way unless and until the prisoner has been convicted, and is then only used in considering the sentence to be passed. I am making inquiries into the working of the practice in question, and am giving consideration to the matter.