§ Mr. WEBBasked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been called to the need for more magistrates in the Forest of Dean Division of Gloucestershire; and what steps will he take in the matter?
§ Mr. WEBBasked whether, in spite of many representations, the justices of the peace sitting at the last Herefordshire quarter sessions have refused to put in force the provisions of the Licensing Act of 1904, in order to reduce the excessive number of licences in the county; and whether steps will be taken, in view of the present position of the magistracy in Herefordshire, to bring to an end the great preponderance of one political party?
§ Mr. AGAR-ROBARTESasked whether, in view of the fact that dissatisfaction has been aroused by the conduct of the Lord Chancellor in connection with his appointments of justices of the peace, he will give a day for the discussion of the subject?
§ Mr. WEDGWOODasked whether, in view of the general dissatisfaction with the present method of making appointments to the bench, he will give an early opportunity of having the matter discussed in this House?
§ Mr. ROWLANDSasked the number of counties in which advisory committees have been appointed in conformity with the recommendation of the Royal Commission on the Appointment of Justices of the Peace; and can he say what are the counties in which such committees have not yet been appointed?
§ The PRIME MINISTER (Mr. Asquith)I am in communication with the Lord Chancellor on the various subjects raised in these questions, and hope to be in a position to make a statement early in next week.
Mr. NEIL PRIMROSEMay I ask the Prime Minister as there is a possibility of an unsatisfactory answer from the Lord Chancellor, he will give us an opportunity of discussing the question?
§ The PRIME MINISTERThe hon. Gentleman must see that is a contingent question.