§ Mr. Whitakerasked the Attorney-General whether he will propose an inquiry to examine whether there would be advantages in economy and convenience in unifying the responsibility for and rationalising the use of assize and quarter session, county and magistrates' courts, which are at present controlled by local authorities, the Lord Chancellor, the Ministry of Public Building and Works, and the Home Department.
§ The Attorney-GeneralThe terms of reference of the Royal Commission on Assizes and Quarter Sessions under the Chairmanship of Lord Beeching are such as to enable the Commission to consider the greater part of the suggestions made in my hon. Friend's question. We must await the Commission's report before considering the need for any further inquiry.