§ Mr. Jannerasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he is now in a position to announce the membership and terms of reference of the committee to inquire into the existing practice with regard to the taking of depositions in criminal cases.
§ Mr. EdeYes. Mr. Justice Byrne has accepted my invitation to serve as chairman of a committee with the following terms of reference
To inquire into the existing practice with regard to the taking of depositions in criminal cases and to report whether any, and if so what, alterations in the law are necessary or desirable with a view to securing the more effective despatch of the business of the courts while retaining public confidence in the administration of justice.The other members of the committee are: Mr. P. Allen, Lady Artemus-Jones, Mr. A. F. S. Cotton, Mr. D. Curtis-Bennett, K.C., Mr. J. T. Halsall, Mr. E. A. Hawke, Mr. W. C. Johnson, C.B.E., Mrs. E. K. Lane, Mr. H. S. Martin, LL.B., Sir Theobald Mathew, K.B.E., M.C., Mr. A. C. L. Morrison, C.B.E., The Secretary is Mr. T. G. Weiler of the Home Office.