HIGH COURT JUDGES (Additional Appointments)

[Mr Speaker in the Chair]

Mr G. A. P. Sutherland asked the Chief Secretary if - in view of the long delays in the setting down of cases in the High Court for hearing or trial, and in view also of the representations which have been made by the Bar Committee, the Singapore Chamber of Commerce and the Malayan Exchange Banks Association that additional High Court Judges should be appointed - he will make a statement on Government's proposals in the matter of making such additional appointments.

Mr W. A. C. Goode: Sir, as I stated yesterday, provision has been made in the Estimates for next year for an additional appointment of Puisne Judge, thus raising the number of Puisne Judges to five.

Mr Sutherland: Mr Speaker, Sir, I wonder if the Chief Secretary could tell us whether, in view of the fact that in no one month this year have there been less than 270 cases awaiting trial for which no date or hearing could be given in the fixing of the list, he could give us some idea why there has been such a long delay in making a fresh appointment?

Mr Goode: There has been no delay, Sir, in making the additional appointment. It was only approved yesterday.