HC Deb 17 March 1937 vol 321 cc2079-80W
Mr. Rhys Davis

asked the Home Secretary how many juveniles were brought before the courts for offences against the law during each of the last five years, giving the figures for males and females separately?

Sir J. Simon

Following is a statement showing the number of children and young persons who were proceeded against for indictable offences in Courts of Summary Jurisdiction (including Juvenile Courts) in England and Wales, during the five years 1931 to 1935 inclusive:

number of refusals in like circumstances, and, of the latter, the number of cases in which the second counsel has been allowed upon application to the trial judge; and will he state by whom the appointment is then made?

Sir J. Simon

The latest figures available are those for 1935. During that year 25 defence certificates authorising two counsel were granted by committing justices and five by courts of assize. I cannot say in how many cases an application for two counsel was refused. It is for the solicitor acting for the accused to instruct counsel, whether one or two are allowed.