§ Sir CHARLES HENRYasked the Prime Minister whether as requests were made to him soon after the Report of the Royal Commission on the Selection of Justices of the Peace was published to give this House an opportunity to discuss the terms of the Report, he would give an early day for the consideration of that Report; and that in the meantime the appointment of the Advisory Committees should not be proceeded with?
§ The PRIME MINISTERNo, Sir; as I said on Monday, I should regard the discussion suggested by my hon. Friend as inopportune at the present moment. I cannot comply with the request contained in the last part of the question.
Mr. KINGasked who had the power of appointing the members of magistracy advisory committees; whether appointments were made for a definite or indefinite period; whether the Lord Chancellor would receive recommendations from them directly or only through the lords-lieutenant; who would act as clerks of these committees; and whether these committees would be free to receive direct applications from gentlemen desiring to serve as magistrates?
§ The PRIME MINISTERThe Lord Chancellor appoints the Advisory Committees. In one or two cases they have been appointed for a short, definite period, not exceeding two years, but in general no period is fixed, so that fresh Members may be added or substituted at any time. Recommendations will doubtless usually come through the lords-lieutenant, with a statement that they are sent on the advice of the Committee, but any Member of the committee can communicate direct with the Lord Chancellor, if he so desires, in regard to names or anything else. Each committee will make its own arrangements as to clerical assistance, if required. The Committees will be free to receive direct applications from any quarter, as they may think fit. It is entirely a matter for themselves.
Mr. PEELDoes the Prime Minister intend to supersede the lords-lieutenant in the appointment of magistrates?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI have nothing to do with it. The Lord Chancellor is acting on the recommendation of the Royal Commission.
Mr. KINGWill the right hon. Gentleman assure the House that in future no appointments shall be made without coming before the advisory committees?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI understand that that is so.
§ Sir CHARLES HENRYWill Members of Parliament have an opportunity of recommending names to members of the advisory committees?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI understand that anyone can suggest names.
§ Mr. MILDMAYAre we to understand that recommendations of borough magistrates will also go through these committees?
§ The PRIME MINISTERSo I understand.
§ The PRIME MINISTERI cannot say. I suppose he takes the best steps he can to acquire local knowledge.
§ Mr. MORRELLrose, but
§ Mr. SPEAKERcalled upon the hon. Member for Ludlow (Mr. Hunt) to put the question next in order on the Paper.
§ Mr. MORRELLAm I not entitled to ask a supplementary question?
§ Mr. SPEAKERWe have already had five or six supplementary questions. There must be a limit. We have ninety-five questions on the Paper to-day.
§ Mr. FRANCEasked the Prime Minister whether it is the intention of the Lord Chancellor to satisfy himself that any list of proposed justices forwarded for his consideration by the Lord-Lieutenant has been before, and is approved by, the advisory committee; and whether an advisory committee has any, and, if so, what means of communicating directly with the Lord Chancellor?
§ The PRIME MINISTERThe answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative unless it be an unavoidable emergency. Any member of an advisory committee can write to the Lord Chancellor if he so desires.
§ Mr. MORRELLAre the names of the advisory committees in all cases to be published?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI answered that question the other day.