HC Deb 21 July 1884 vol 290 cc1722-3
MR. WARTON

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department, Whether Mr. Charles Gilbert Heathcote has been appointed Stipendiary Magistrate for Brighton; whether that learned gentleman has ever had any business at the bar; whether he is the brother of Mr. J. M. Heathcote, Chairman of the Liberal Committee at Brighton at the elections of 1880 and 1884; and, whether he possesses any special qualification for the appointment?

SIR WILLIAM HARCOURT

I have no personal acquaintance with Mr. Heathcote. In making appointments of this kind I always consult those whom I think are the best fitted, of their per- sonal knowledge, to give information as to the qualifications and professional ability of candidates. The testimonial on which I appointed Mr. Heathcote was a letter from the hon. and learned Member for Cambridgeshire (Mr. Bulwer), who wrote to me to say that he had known Mr. Heathcote for many years as a member of his Circuit, and could speak of him with confidence as a man of great ability, considerable legal attainments, tact, and good temper, and a thoroughly accomplished gentleman. Mr. Heathcote was also a distinguished University man. He took a first-class in the Classical Tripos, and was a Scholar of Trinity, and a Fellow of Emmanuel. I have not inquired into the political opinions of Mr. Heathcote's brother. Indeed, my own personal observations show me that brothers do not always hold the same political opinions; and I should think it extremely hard if the political views of one brother were held to be an obstacle to the appointment of another. That is my answer to the hon. and learned Gentleman, and I hope my statement will make him feel some regret that, for Party purposes, he has, without foundation, made this attack.

MR. WARTON

It is not for Party purposes; but the right hon. and learned Gentleman has not answered my second Question.

SIR WILLIAM HARCOURT

I have since made inquiries; and I find that the statement in the Question as to Mr. Heathcote's brother having taken part in the last election at Brighton is entirely without foundation. The brother left Brighton last March.

MR. WARTON

The right hon. and learned Gentleman has not answered the second part of my Question.

SIR WILLIAM HARCOURT

That is a Question which the hon. and learned Gentleman ought not to ask, and which I decline to answer.