§ Mr. TURTONasked the Attorney-General whether the Committee set up under the chairmanship of the Hon. Mr. Justice Rigby Swift to consider the question of taking away the assizes from certain towns will continue to function; and, if so, whether he will undertake that, when the case of removing the assizes for the North and East Ridings of the County of York from York to Leeds is under consideration, the chairmen of quarter sessions for the said Ridings may be heard by the Committee in opposition to such removal?
§ Sir D. HOGGIn answer to the first part of the question, Mr. Justice Rigby 737W Swift's Committee was appointed to consider what re-arrangements of the Circuits of the Judges can be effected so as to promote economy and the greater despatch of the business of the High Court. The Government have requested the Committee to continue its duties. In answer to the second part, the Government cannot give an undertaking as to what evidence the Committee will consider it necessary to hear, but I am confident that before reporting they will take all such means as are available for informing their minds upon the subjects of their reference, and if the hon. Member anticipates that any such proposals as those which he suggests are likely to be considered seriously by the Committee, his best course would be to communicate with the secretary.