§ MR. LEESE (Lancashire, N.E., Accrington)I beg to ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster if he has yet decided whether it is necessary that the writ of dedimus poteslatem heretofore accustomed to be taken out by Magistrates on their appointment to the County Bench in Lancashire should continue to be so taken out, or whether it may be discontinued and the cost of each appointment thereby reduced? The hon. Member, in putting the question, stated that by a printer's error the word "potestatem" had not inappropriately been printed "poteslatem."
§ THE CHANCELLOR OF THE DUCHY OF LANCASTER (Mr. BRYCE,) Aberdeen, S.I have come to the conclusion that there is no sufficient reason why the practice of taking out the writ of dedimus potestatem by County Magistrates upon their appointment should continue in Lancashire. The discontinuance of the practice will, no doubt, have the effect of reducing the expense to the persons appointed to be Justices. The question what is the proper fee to be fixed as payable upon appointment is now under my consideration.