§ MR. BARKER (Penryn and Falmouth)To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he is aware that, in various counties in England and Wales, the clerks to county justices have been, and are being, put to additional expense in providing the books and forms required in connection with the administration of justice caused by the passing of various Acts of Parliament, among others the Probation of Offenders Act, 1907, the Lights on Vehicles Act, 1907, the Dogs Act, 1906, and the Licensing Acts, 1902–1904, without any corresponding allowance or increase of 223 remuneration being granted to defray the extra outlay imposed upon the clerks; and whether he will communicate with the local authorities concerned setting forth the manner in which such outlay, both present and future, should be borne.
(Answered by Mr. Secretary Gladstone.) I have no reason to suppose that the local authorities are not fully aware of the increase in work and expenses which statutes of the nature indicated by my hon. friend may cause to justices' clerks. Where the increase so caused is substantial I am always prepared to consider a recommendation from the responsible local authority for an increase of salary, but I do not think I should be justified in suggesting that such recommendations should be made generally.