§ Mr. Saltasked the Attorney-General whether, in view of the number of poor persons cases, which cannot at present be proceeded with, owing to the shortage of counsel, especially on the Midland and 623W Oxford circuits, he will consider taking steps to enable solicitors acting in cases certified by the appropriate poor persons committee, to have audiences in the High Court for the duration of the war?
§ The Attorney-GeneralI am aware that owing to the very large increase in Poor Persons Divorce cases after the passing of the Matrimonial Causes Act, 1937, and the number both of barristers and solicitors who are serving or engaged in war work, there is considerable delay in getting these cases disposed of. I am in touch with the two circuits mentioned to see whether a larger number of cases can be undertaken. In view of the depletion of the number of solicitors and their staff I doubt if the suggestion made in the Question would appreciably affect the624W position. It would in any event require legislation.