§ MR. BRADLAUGH (Northampton)asked Mr. Attorney General, Whether he is aware that the clerk to the magistrates for the borough of Haverford west was appointed as such clerk when a member of the Town Council, and has since been continued as such clerk whilst a member of such Town Council; and that, at the recent municipal election, such clerk was nominated and elected Town Councillor, and is now nominated as Mayor, in direct contravention of the 45 & 46 Vict. c. 50, s. 159, sub-section 2; and, whether the Government will take any action in the matter?
§ THE ATTORNEY GENERAL (Sir RICHARD WEBSTER) (Isle of Wight)I 906 have inquired into the matter mentioned in the Question of the hon. Member. I am informed that the clerk to the magistrates was not nominated or elected Mayor. It is true that he was appointed clerk when a member of the Town Council, and has since continued to act as such clerk. I am informed, however, that there is a Private Act of Parliament relating to Haverford west, and that its position is quite unique; and, further, that prior to his appointment the opinion of counsel was taken, who advised that his appointment would not be a breach of the Municipal Corporations Act, 1882. I will look further into the matter; and should I have any reason to doubt the correctness of the opinion given I will communicate with the hon. Member and the clerk to the magistrates.