HC Deb 16 December 1943 vol 395 cc1719-20W
Sir H. Williams

asked the Attorney-General whether he will introduce legislation to authorise the appointment of a sufficient number of additional judges to ensure that every cause may normally be heard on a pre-determined date so that the present denial of justice due to delays may be brought to an end?

Sir W. Davison

asked the Attorney-General whether his attention has been called to the recent practical closing down of the Royal Courts of Justice in London to civil litigants by reason of the insufficiency of High Court judges available for the trial of cases; and whether he will consider the appointment of additional judges, in view of the recent additional work thrown upon them in having large numbers of divorce cases at assizes throughout the country as well as the constant call upon judges to preside at or undertake Government inquiries on various matters of national importance?

The Attorney-General

On 8th, 9th and 10th December three of the seven King's Bench judges in London were unable to sit owing to illness. During the same period three judges were hearing a part-heard case in the Divisional Court, with the result that only one judge was available to take non-jury cases. These are the only three days during the present Michaelmas sittings when there has only been one judge sitting at nisi prius. As I have already stated in reply to other Questions, I hope shortly to make a statement with regard to the Government's proposals to effect the more speedy trial of divorce cases both in London and the provinces. My Noble Friend the Lord Chancellor is reviewing the position of the High Court generally but the King's Bench Division in London is substantially abreast of its work.

Mr. Ralph Etherton

asked the Attorney-General whether he is aware that the state of legal business in the provinces is such that on several days recently only one judge was available to sit on the King's Bench Division; and whether any steps are being taken to mitigate this hardship to litigants in the High Court in London?

The Attorney-General

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer I have given to the hon. Members for South Croydon (Sir H. Williams) and South Kensington (Sir W. Davison).