HC Deb 27 February 1877 vol 232 c1091
MR. PHILIPS

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department, Whether there is any objection to the Mayor of Bury, Lancashire, he being duly qualified and having taken the correct oaths, taking his seat on the County Petty Sessional Division Bench, to exercise jurisdiction within the borough of which he is Mayor?

MR. ASSHETON CROSS

As soon as my attention was called to this matter I placed myself in communication with the magistrates in order to obtain a proper statement of the facts. It arrived yesterday or the day before. As, however, a curious point arose as to the jurisdiction, I thought it right to consult the Law Officers of the Crown. I have not yet received their opinion; but as soon as I receive it I will communicate again with the hon. Member.