§ MR. TOULMIN (Lancashire, Bury)I beg to ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster if he is aware that there was already a preponderance of one political party on the Bury Borough Bench of magistrates, and that the appointments just announced have increased the disproportion of parties; and, if so, will he take steps, by a further appointment of magistrates, to remedy this inequality.
§ THE CHANCELLOR OF THE DUCHY OF LANCASTER (Sir WILLIAM WALROND, Devonshire, Tiverton)I was not aware that there was a preponderance of one 1200 political party on the Bury Bench when I recently added a few gentlemen to that Bench. I certainly did not inquire into the political views of the borough justices. It is my desire to appoint gentlemen who are well qualified, and I must exercise my own discretion and judgment in the appointments I make. I see no reason to reopen the Commissions at present.