§ 88. Mr. Grimondasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will consider introducing legislation to transfer responsibility for giving authority for appeal to the House of Lords from the Attorney-General to the Court of Criminal Appeal.
§ Mr. R. A. ButlerThe merits of the present procedure were fully debated in a Committee of this House in 1948, 81W when an amendment to the Criminal Justice Bill proposing a change in the law in this respect was rejected. I have no reason to think that the arguments which led the Committee to reject the proposal then are of any less force today, but I would be prepared to listen to any suggestions put forward.
§ 90. Mr. Gowerasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will consider introducing legislation to enlarge the bases of appeal to the House of Lords in criminal causes; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. R. A. ButlerI will be glad to consider any specific proposals which my hon. Friend may have in mind.