§ Mr. Chatawayasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what proposals he has for the reorganisation of magistrates' courts in London; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. R. A. ButlerMy noble Friend the Lord Chancellor and I have been giving consideration to the report submitted in 1937 by the Departmental Committee on Courts of Summary Jurisdiction in the Metropolitan Area. It has not been possible to give effect to all the Committee's recommendations owing to war-time and post-war difficulties, and, while the principles on which they were based remain valid, we think that in view of the time that has elapsed it is desirable to review their practical aspects in the light of current circumstances. We have therefore decided to appoint a Committee with the following terms of reference
To consider and report what measures are required, 'in the light of present conditions, to facilitate the integration of the Metropolitan Magistrates' Courts and the Petty Sessional Courts in London, as recommended by the Committee on Courts of Summary Jurisdiction in the Metropolitan Area, 1937, whether by way of
- (a) legislation,
- (b) administrative action, or
- (c) the provision of new court buildings or any changes in the use of such buildings."
Judge C. D. Aarvold, O.B.E., T.D., the Common Serjeant, has agreed to be Chairman of the Committee. The other members will be:
- Mr. B. C. Aldous, J.P.
- Mr. R. H. Blundell, Chief Metropolitan Magistrate.
- Mr. W. D. Cooper, Deputy Receiver for the Metropolitan Police District.
- Mr. R. R. Pittam, Home Office.
- Lady Pugh, J.P.
- Mr. W. T. C. Skyrme, C.B.E., T.D., Secretary of Commissions, Lord Chancellor's Office. Mr. F. C. Trehern, J.P.
- The Secretary of the Committee is Mr. R. L Jones, of the Home Office.