HC Deb 01 March 1842 vol 60 cc1269-70
Mr. R. Yorke

begged to put a question to the right hon. Gentleman the Secretary for the Home Department, which it was necessary to preface by a short statement. About six weeks or two months before the secession of the late ministry from office, representations were made of the inadequacy of the local magistracy of the city of York. The Government proceeded to supply the deficiency, and, amongst others, Mr. Mills, a gentleman of irreproachable character, elevated position, and independent fortune, was specified in the commission. But it happened that his name was John Robert Mills, while he was entitled in the commission John Mills. It was suggested that the commission should be sent back to be corrected; but it was stated that that was impossible. Since then a commission had been named by the present Government, including three gentlemen, all Conservatives. With respect to two of these gentlemen, a similar informality occurred, but there was no difficulty in sending the commission back to have it set right. He wanted to know why the same thing could not have been done in the case of Mr. Mills.

Sir James Graham

said, that the circumstance alluded to by the hon. Gentleman was made known to him then for the first time. If the hon. Gentleman would repeat his question to-morrow, or communicate with him in private, he would make inquiries on the subject.

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