Orders of the Day — ADMINISTRATION OF JUSTICE BILL [Lords].

Part of the debate – in the House of Commons am ar 27 Gorffennaf 1923.

Danfonwch hysbysiad imi am ddadleuon fel hyn

Photo of Sir Kingsley Wood Sir Kingsley Wood , Woolwich West

In the first place, I should like to congratulate the House on dealing with this Measure at a reasonable hour of the day, because when the Act of 1920 was passed in the last Parliament, I think it was dealt with at two or three o'clock in the morning. Discussion was limited, on the appeal of the Prime Minister, and, undoubtedly, that particular portion of it which affected the rights of juries was certainly never adequately considered in this House. Therefore, it is a matter of considerable congratulation that we reach this Bill at a reasonable hour. I was very much interested to hear my hon. Friend opposite. His remarks will be read with considerable interest in the Temple tomorrow morning. How different is his appreciation of juries from the remarks recently made by Lord Justice Bankes, who not only gave a very clear warning to members of the legal profession, but to Members of this House. He said: What was once an undoubted right, and, in the opinion of many persons, myself included, a most valuable right, has been gradually eaten into until at last, if the recently issued provisional rule is to be made permanent, it has been entirely taken away.