HC Deb 04 June 1951 vol 488 cc76-7W
110. Mr. E. L. Mallalieu

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether, in view of the pressure of work in the eight metropolitan magistrates' courts, he will consider the opening of a new court as a remand court for cases for preliminary hearing with which the courts in which they are instituted cannot deal without undue delay.

Mr. de Freitas

My right hon. Friend has examined my hon. Friend's suggestion in consultation with the chief magistrate, but he is satisfied that it is open to too many practical difficulties. Certain measures which will, he hopes, improve the situation are being taken, and he is considering what more could be done to lighten the burden on the metropolitan magistrates' courts and thus to enable them to dispose of cases more promptly.