HC Deb 30 November 1926 vol 200 cc1005-6
37. Sir G. WHELER

asked the Attorney-General the number of advisory committees where the members are not subject to election or re-election for six years; and why it is not possible to apply the principle of election to all advisory committees at once?

The ATTORNEY - GENERAL (Sir Douglas Hogg)

The members of 253 advisory committees in England and Wales, excluding Lancashire, and in Scotland are not yet subject to reappointment by the Lord Chancellor at a fixed date, but it is his intention to apply the system to those committees as and when an opportunity is afforded by the occurrence of vacancies or in some other way. If the system were applied to all the committees at once, it would be necessary to dissolve the existing committees and to make exhaustive inquiries as to the persons to be appointed in their place, and the Lord Chancellor does not consider that this course is necessary or desirable.

Mr. TAYLOR

Can the right hon. and learned Gentleman say whether the right hon. Member for Carmarthen (Sir A. Mond) is eligible for re-election to any of these committees?

The ATTORNEY-GENERAL

I cannot say, as I do not know.

38. Sir G. WHELER

asked the Attorney-General with whom rests the power of election or re-election of members of county and borough advisory committees for the recommending of persons suitable to become Justices of the Peace?

The ATTORNEY-GENERAL

The power of appointing or reappointing members of county and borough justices' advisory committees rests solely with the Lord Chancellor, and in Lancashire with the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster.

Mr. T. WILLIAMS

Has the right hon. and learned Gentleman been informed of the result of the most recent of all elections at Hull?

Mr. R. MORRISON

Will the right hon. Gentleman say whether the Lord Chancellor receives nominations from individuals, from individual Justices of the Peace or Benches of Magistrates, or from organisations for these appointments?

The ATTORNEY-GENERAL

I must have notice of that question. I am only answering for the Home Office.