§ Sir CHARLES HENRYasked the Prime Minister how many times the Advisory Committee to deal with the selection of county magistrates has met; how many additional magistrates have been appointed by the Lord Chancellor; how many non-effective magistrates have been removed; and to what extent the admitted preponderance of one political party on the county benches in Shropsire has been dealt with since the Advisory Committee was set up?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI am informed that meetings have been held by the Advisory Committee in Shropshire, but no recommendations have as yet been placed before the Lord Chancellor, and, therefore, no additional magistrates appointed. I understand that the Lord Chancellor expects shortly to receive the recommendations of the Committee.
§ Sir C. HENRYCan the right hon. Gentleman answer the question about the removal of non-effective magistrates?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI am afraid I have not got the information for that. I suppose the answer is in the negative.
§ Mr. JAMES HOPEIs this the Committee where there was so much friction that one of the members died from it?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI must have notice of that question.
§ Mr. WATTHas the right hon. Gentleman received any representations that these committees are not of much use, because the chairmen are absolutely dictators?
§ The PRIME MINISTERNo, Sir; I have no such information.