HC Deb 21 March 1907 vol 171 c875
MR. HUNT (Shropshire, Ludlow)

I beg to ask the Prime Minister whether in view of the fact that two gentlemen, since they have been appointed magistrates, have been summoned at Towcester for non-payment of a portion of the poor rate and been ordered to pay, he will take steps to prevent such magistrates from adjudicating in cases similar to those on which they themselves have refused to obey the law.

SIR H. CAMPBELL-BANNERMAN

I am not aware that the facts are as stated by the hon. Member, and we are not prepared to interfere in any way with magistrates in the discharge of their duty.

MR. HUNT

But can persons take an oath to enforce the law when they themselves refuse to be bound by it?

SIR H. CAMPBELL-BANNERMAN

It is hard to say what people may do when they are put to it.