HC Deb 24 January 1940 vol 356 c607W
Vice-Admiral Taylor

asked the Home Secretary whether he has considered any revision of the peace-time procedure for hearing cases of summonses for nonpayment of rates under the Emergency Powers Act, as the normal peace-time procedure is not applicable under conditions arising as a direct result of the war?

Mr. Peake

The question of the arrangements necessary to allow of the hearing and due consideration of applications by persons summoned for non-payment of rates, who wish to take advantage of the protection afforded by the Courts (Emergency Powers) Act, is one for each bench of magistrates to decide. As I stated in reply to a Question on this subject on 2nd November, I have no doubt that magistrates and their clerks appreciate t clerks appreciate the importance of making proper arrangements for this purpose, and I do not think that any action on my part is necessary.