HC Deb 14 January 1964 vol 687 c12W
Mr. Rootes

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will review the arrangements for dealing with appeals in criminal cases.

Mr. Brooke

Yes, my right hon. Friend the Lord Chancellor and I have decided that the time has come to review the position of the Court of Criminal Appeal, to consider whether or not it is desirable that some or all of the appeals which now lie to that Court should lie instead to the Court of Appeal, and to review the constitution of the Court which is to hear these appeals, and the practice and procedure for handling them. After consultation with the Lord Chief Justice and the Master of the Rolls, we have decided to appoint a Committee to enquire into these and related matters. I am glad to say that Lord Donovan has agreed to be Chairman of the Committee. I will make a further statement about the terms of reference and membership of the Committee in due course.