§ Mr. Alexander W. Lyonasked the Attorney-General if he will introduce legislation to create a new county court jurisdiction consisting of most of the present jurisdiction in civil matters, the criminal jurisdiction of quarter sessions, and jurisdiction in undefended divorce cases, to be exercised by a number of judges in each county court district.
§ The Attorney-GeneralThe Government have already announced their intention of introducing legislation as soon as practicable for the transfer of jurisdiction in undefended divorce cases to the county courts. The further extension of county court jurisdiction in civil proceedings is a matter which will no doubt be considered by Lord Justice Winn's Committee on the trial of actions for personal injuries. I do not think it would be desirable at present to confer criminal jurisdiction on the county courts, although my noble Friend the Lord Chancellor welcomes the assistance which many county court judges already give at Quarter Sessions.