HC Deb 27 April 1888 vol 325 cc750-1
MR. LABOUCHERE (Northampton)

asked the President of the Local Government Board, Whether it is intended by the Local Government Bill to treat the Clerk of the Peace for Middlesex differently to all other Clerks of the Peace affected by the Bill, and to make him the first Clerk of the Peace for the County of London; whether he is aware that the Clerk of the Peace for Middle- sex is also the present Clerk of the Peace for Hertfordshire; and, whether, in the interests of the public, he will provide in the Bill against two such offices being held by the same person?

MR. BRADLAUGH (Northampton)

inquired, whether the Clerk of the Peace for the County of Hertford was a solicitor; and whether he was also the solicitor to the Prime Minister?

THE PRESIDENT (Mr. RITCHIE) (Tower Hamlets, St. George's)

I think that the hon. Gentleman (Mr. Bradlaugh) is probably as well aware of the fact as I am. With regard to the Question on the Paper, I have to say that, so far as existing counties are concerned, the Clerk of the Peace is to continue to act as Clerk of the Peace, in addition to being clerk to the County Council; but as the County of London will be formed out of several counties, each with a Clerk of the Peace, it is necessary that the Bill should provide who is to be the first Clerk of the Peace for the new county; and it is intended that the Clerk of the Peace for Middlesex, who now fulfils the duties connected with that office for the main portion of London, shall hold that office. Under this arrangement no question of compensation to him for loss of emoluments will arise. In ordinary counties the Clerk of the Peace will be the clerk to the County Council; but, looking to the exceptional circumstances of London, and the amount of the work which the County Council there will have to perform, it is, in my opinion, very desirable that the clerk of the London County Council shall be a separate officer from the Clerk of the Peace. Provision is made for this in the Bill. I am aware that the present Clerk of the Peace for Middlesex is also Clerk of the Peace for Hertfordshire. I do not propose to provide in the Bill that two such offices shall not be held by the same person. It is a matter for the County Councils; and I can conceive that circumstances may exist which would render such an arrangement a desirable one.