§ Mr. Rawlinsonasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he is aware that, in consequence of the increase in the number of cases coming before the Metropolitan stipendiary magistrates' courts, there have been delays in dealing with cases, and a difficult situation has arisen; and what action is proposed to remedy the matter.
§ Mr. R. A. ButlerI am aware that these difficulties have arisen. Owing to118W a continuing increase in the number of cases coming before the courts there have been delays, despite all that could be done by the stipendiary magistrates and their staffs, and in consultation with my noble Friend the Lord Chancellor I have been considering what action can be taken.
I am glad to say that considerable assistance has been and is being rendered by the lay justices, to whom we are most grateful. The lay justices who sit at Bow Street have been sitting on an extra day a week, and lay justices will commence sitting at Old Street and Tower Bridge Metropolitan Magistrates' Courts on 6th and 7th May respectively.
In addition, my noble Friend and I are satisfied that the appointment of more stipendiary magistrates is necessary. This will require legislation, and a Bill seeking authority for this, and for the appointment of temporary magistrates, is being introduced in another place.