HC Deb 27 February 1908 vol 185 cc58-9
MR. HENRY (Shropshire, Wellington)

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will give, approximately, the number of county magistrates appointed last year, who would not have been eligible to such appointment previous to the passing of the Act of 1906 abolishing the property qualification.

THE ATTORNEY-GENERAL (Sir W. ROBSON,) South Shields

said he was afraid it would be very difficult for him to get this information; it would be difficult to ask magistrates for details of their personal property, and private means, and if he did ask he was not quite sure the answer would be given.

MR. HENRY

But before this Act came into force were they not compelled to state their qualification?

SIR W. ROBSON

Yes, but there is no such requirement now, and I do not know how such a question would be received by the gentleman appointed.