§ 51. Mr. W. BAKERasked the Attorney-General the annual cost to the Treasury of the provision of Judges' marshals; and whether the Lord Chancellor will reconsider the necessity of this annual expenditure?
§ The ATTORNEY-GENERALThe cost to the Treasury of the provision of Judges' marshals for the financial year 1925–6 was £3,135 6s. The Lord Chancellor sees no reason for any alteration of this arrangement.
§ Mr. BAKERIs it not a fact that marshals are chosen quite frequently on the basis of boon companionship, and, in these circumstances, is it justifiable that the Treasury should pay this money?
§ Mr. BLUNDELLMay I ask whether boon companionship of a Judge is not a quite respectable occupation?
§ The ATTORNEY-GENERALIn answer to the first supplementary question, the marshal is nominated by the Judge with whom he is in close association. I have not inquired of His Majesty's Judges what are the motives which influence them in making the appointment. With regard to the second question, I cannot say I have any personal reason to believe that the occupation is anything but respectable.