§ MR. LEGH (Lancashire, S.W., Newton)I beg to ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster if he has submitted to the Lord Lieutenant of Lancashire a list of over 40prominent Liberal politicians, with the request that they may be nominated County Magistrates; if there is any precedent for such action; and if he will lay upon the Table of the House the Memorandum of 1871, by which the nomination of County Magistrates was transferred from the Chancellor of the Duchy to the Lord Lieutenant?
§ THE CHANCELLOR OF THE DUCHY OF LANCASTER (Mr. BRYCE, Aberdeen, S.)Communications have passed between the Lord Lieutenant and myself upon the subject of nomination to the County Bench, but as these communications are not yet completed the time has not arrived when I can state their purport to the House. The suggestions as to facts contained in the hon. Member's question are not to be taken to be admitted as accurate. As I cannot at present state the nature of the communications which have passed, I cannot say anything about precedent. I have no objection to lay the Memorandum referred to upon the Table when the proper time arrives.
§ MR. LEGHMay I ask if a list of the prospective Magistrates was furnished by the Liberal agent in Lancashire?
§ MR. T. P. O'CONNOR (Liverpool, Scotland)I would ask if it is not the fact that for years past Liberals have been practically excluded from the Magistracy in Lancashire by the Lord Lieutenant?
§ MR. TOMLINSON (Preston)May I ask if there is any foundation whatever for the suggestion that the Lord Lieutenant is guided by political considerations in these appointments?
§ MR. BRYCESeeing that I have to make a statement to the House on the subject shortly I think it would be better that I should reserve what I have to say in reply until then.
§ MR. LEGHI beg to give notice that I will call attention to this subject as soon as I get an opportunity.