MR. CAWLEY Lancashire, Prestwich)I beg to ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster whether he is aware that in the Ashton-under-Lyne petty sessional 929 division no permanent resident magistrate has been appointed for nine years, and that the Urban District Council of Droylsden, with a population of between 11,000 and 12,000 inhabitants, has no permanent resident magistrate, and that it is five years since the last one died; whether he is aware that several urban councils have made representation, by resolution and otherwise, to the Lord Lieutenant of the county, pointing out the inconvenience occasioned by the scarcity of magistrates, without avail; and whether he will take steps to remedy this state of affairs.
§ THE CHANCELLOR OF THE DUCHY OF LANCASTER (Sir WILLIAM WALROND, Devonshire,) TivertonI am not aware whether during the last nine years any county magistrate has been appointed who permanently resides in the Ashton-under-Lyne petty sessional division, nor am I aware whether there is any magistrate permanently residing within the Urban District Council of Droylsden, but on both these points I have caused inquiry to be made. I am aware that representations have been made to the Lord Lieutenant pointing out the inconvenience caused by the scarcity of magistrates in certain districts of Lancashire. I have already communicated with the Lord Lieutenant on the subject, and within the last few months several additions to the County Bench have been made, and I understand that the names of more gentlemen are about to be submitted to me for appointment. I will, however, make further representation to the Lord Lieutenant, and with special reference to the petty sessional division mentioned by the hon. Member.