§ Mr. Dobbieasked the Attorney-General whether any decision has been reached on the question of setting up a system of official shorthand writing in the High Court of Justice; whether it is proposed to publish the report of the committee presided over by Mr. Justice Atkinson on this subject; whether he is aware that nearly two years have passed since questions were put on this matter in the House; and when he expects to be able to make a definite statement on the subject?
§ The Attorney-GeneralMy Noble Friend the Lord Chancellor has decided to adopt the recommendations of the committee referred to by the hon. Member and to institute a system of official shorthand note taking in witness actions tried in the Chancery and the King's Bench Courts and on Assize. My Noble Friend is in consultation with His Majesty's Treasury with a view to introducing suitable arrangements at as early a date as possible. The report of the committee will be published in due course.