§ 67. Sir RICHARD COOPERasked the Prime Minister if Mr. Justice Sankey, before his elevation to the bench, had held the position of standing counsel to the Miners' Federation; and was this fact brought to his notice when he asked Mr. Justice Sankey to preside over the recent Coal Commission?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWI am unaware whether or not the suggestion contained in the question represents the facts; but I am quite certain that the inuendo which it contains against the impartiality of a Judge of the Realm ought not to be made.
§ Sir R. COOPERIs it not in the public interest that rumours which have got very widespread should be crushed by hon. Members asking deliberate questions on the matter?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWNo; but I think it is in the public interest that Members of this House should do their best not to spread, but to crush such rumours.
§ Mr. W. CARTERIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that questions of that kind usually come out of the minds of men who judge of the character and honour of other people by their own?