HC Deb 03 July 1917 vol 95 cc900-1
39. Mr. CURRIE

asked the Prime Minister whether he will grant a day for the discussion of the Motion standing in the name of the hon. Member for the College Division of Glasgow concerning the holding of directorships by judges of the Court of Session?

Mr. BONAR LAW

It is not possible to give a day for this purpose.

Mr. CURRIE

May I ask your guidance, Sir, as to what is competent for a Member of this House who wishes to draw attention to the matter which is raised in question No. 39?

Mr. SPEAKER

This House has no control over the judges. One of the glories of our Constitution is that the judicature is separate and apart from the Administration.

Mr. DEVLIN

On a point of Order. When judges are appointed presidents of Commissions, is the House to be permitted to discuss the action of these judges as presidents of these Commissions?

Mr. SPEAKER

I will wait and see what is the Commission?

Mr. CURRIE

If it be the case that the House has no authority in matters of the kind, has the Government no authority?

Mr. SPEAKER

The hon. Member knows that if he wishes to remove a judge from the bench there is a proper way of doing it by giving notice for an Address and raising the question here; but there is no control on the part of the Government over the judges.