HC Deb 01 May 1919 vol 115 cc332-3
95. Mr. SEXTON

asked the President of the Local Government Board whether he is aware of the prevalence of the practice of appointing as aldermen on local authorities persons who have been defeated in the elections for councillors; whether he is aware that by this means a man who has not received the support of the electors can be, and often is, appointed as alderman for double the period of office he would have served if elected as a councillor; and whether he will introduce an Amendment to the Municipal Corporation Act with a view to stopping this practice?

Major ASTOR

My right hon. Friend is not aware of the prevalence of the practice referred to, and he does not think that it is necessary to introduce legislation expressly to prohibit the election as an alderman of a person who has been an unsuccessful candidate at the election of councillors.