HC Deb 15 February 1939 vol 343 c1753W
Sir J. Leech

asked the Attorney-General whether he will cause to be appointed six additional Commissioners of Assize to help the judges to reduce 2,000 cases overdue for trial in London and the provinces, some having been in the list for nine months; and is he aware that assistance by three lords justices and two extra judges of the King's Bench cannot prevent recurrent congestion in the courts while ineffectual arrangements for hearing cases promptly are continued?

The Attorney-General

I cannot agree to the suggestion made by the hon. Member. He is no doubt aware that two new judges have been appointed to the King's Bench Division, and, in addition to this, as I stated to the House in an answer which was given on 7th February, the recent legislation which extended the jurisdiction of the county court and of Quarter Sessions, together with the assistance of the Lords Justices during the present term, should relieve the situation. If this hope should fail, my Noble Friend the Lord Chancellor will certainly consider the question of further additions to the High Court Bench