§ Mr. HENRYasked the Prime Minister if he can state why a different course is pursued in the appointment of magistrates to the county benches to that adopted in the appointment of magistrates to the borough benches; and whether he will consider the advisability of taking the necessary steps in order that the manner in which appointments for both benches are made may be subject to revision, so that a uniform method be adopted in both instances?
§ The PRIME MINISTERThe appointments are made in both cases on the sole responsibility of the Lord Chancellor.
§ Mr. E. N BENNETTIn view of the grave dissatisfaction which exists on this subject, I wish to ask whether the right hon. Gentleman can see his way to appoint a Select Committee to deal with the whole question?
§ The PRIME MINISTERPerhaps the hon. Gentleman will give me notice of that question.
§ Mr. HENRYMay I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether the object of the Act of 1906 was not to have a uniform class of magistrates?
§ The PRIME MINISTERThe object of the Act was to admit to the county bench the same class of persons as were previously admitted to the borough bench.
§ Mr. BENNETTDo not the lords lieutenant make objection to the admission of the same class to the county bench?