Mr. KINGasked the Prime Minister whether he will have a circular of instructions drawn up for the guidance of the. advisory committees now being appointed to advise the Lords Lieutenant in the selection of magistrates, so that the committees may in all cases be clear as to their duties and powers, and so that there may be some uniformity in their actions?
§ The PRIME MINISTER (Mr. Asquith)This is a matter entirely within the province of the Lord Chancellor, and he is of opinion that the best course would be to send to each member of the committee a copy of the Royal Commission's Report, which touches every point, together with a short memorandum referring to the portions which deal with the functions of the committees. He will cause this to be done.
Mr. PEELWill it be made perfectly clear in the instructions that politics will have nothing whatever to do with the appointments?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI do not know whether the hon. Gentleman has read the Report of the Royal Commission.
§ Mr. MARTINasked the Prime Minister whether there will be an advisory committee as to the appointment of justices of the peace for the whole of the county of London or one for each of the boroughs of London?
§ The PRIME MINISTERA single committee would not suffice for London, and it is proposed to have a number of committees. The case of London has been for some time under consideration, and probably the best course will be to divide the committees in the manner suggested by the hon. Gentleman.
§ Mr. WATTCan the right hon. Gentleman say which principle will apply to other large cities, such as Glasgow and Manchester?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI cannot answer these questions without notice.
Mr. LAWSONIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the petty sessions divisions do not correspond with the areas of the boroughs?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI cannot say that. No doubt that will be taken into consideration.