HC Deb 26 April 1922 vol 153 cc543-4
17. Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKS

asked the Attorney-General whether the acceptance of the office of Recorder of London by a Member of this House vacates his seat?

The ATTORNEY-GENERAL (Sir Ernest Pollock)

The answer is in the negative.

Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKS

Is this the only Recordership which does not involve re-election to this House? Are not all other Recorders bound to vacate their seats?

Sir E. POLLOCK

No, Sir. I think that if the hon. Member wants more precise information, he must put down a question. As a matter of fact, within my knowledge, there are two Recorderships in which the appointments by corporations are without salary and without duties. One is the Recordership of Kingston-on-Thames, which I happen to hold myself.

Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKS

And the right hon. and learned Gentleman performs the duties admirably.

45. Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKS

asked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been called to the statement by the Lord Chancellor that he would be surprised if the recent appointment of the hon. and learned Member for Upton had not been accompanied by a condition that he should resign his seat in this House either immediately or in the near future; and whether such condition was in fact made when the appointment was sanctioned?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN (Leader of the House)

I regret that. I have not yet received a reply from the Lord Chancellor, with whom I communicated on this subject. I understand that he will probably be returning to this country next week. I shall be grateful if my hon. Friend will postpone this question until after his return, so that I may get into personal touch with the Lord Chancellor.

Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKS

The Chancellor will not be here for a fortnight, I think; that will allow ample time for the right hon. Gentleman to inquire. The question is a very important one?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

I hope the Lord Chancellor will arrive early next week.

Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKS

Then I will repeat the question this day fortnight.