HC Deb 05 August 1878 vol 242 cc1216-7
MR. HUTCHINSON

said, he did not intend to persevere with the Motion which he had placed upon the Paper, which was to the following effect: — That an humble Address be presented to Her Majesty, praying that Her commands may be signified to those responsible for the recommendation of persons to be appointed justices of the peace, that considerations of party politics or religious creed should be wholly disregarded in their selection.

MR. ASSHETON CROSS

said, he sympathized with the views of the hon. Member, and could assure him that the subject should receive the consideration of Her Majesty's Government. In the county he (Mr. Assheton Cross) represented, Lord Derby and Lord Winmarleigh and himself had endeavoured to have these appointments kept free from political influence; and although in that county the Chancellor of the Duchy had previously made the appointments, they were now made by the Lord Lieutenant. They thought the Lord Lieutenant much less likely to be influenced by political motives, and he hoped the result they anticipated would be realized, not only in that county, but in other counties of England.