HC Deb 14 July 1927 vol 208 cc2316-7
59. Mr. T. WILLIAMS

asked the Attorney-General when the last sitting was held by the advisory committee in the West Riding of Yorkshire for the purpose of recommending the appointment of justices of the peace; how many recommendations were made; and how many have been approved?

The SOLICITOR-GENERAL (Sir Thomas Inskip)

The Lord Chancellor understands that the last meeting of the West Riding Advisory Committee was held last year. Following that meeting, the advisory committee recommended that 76 appointments should be made to the West Riding Commission of the Peace. The Lord Chancellor has not yet approved any of the appointments recommended by the committee. He is of opinion that the number of appointments suggested is too large, and that the list requires reconsideration. He has, therefore, asked the Lord Lieutenant to call another meeting of the committee in order that the list may be reconsidered.

Mr. WILLIAMS

Can the hon. and learned Gentleman give us any idea when the next meeting is likely to take place; and is he aware that locally it is not felt that the number of magistrates is sufficient to meet the normal needs of the district?

Mr. ELLIS

Is the learned Solicitor-General aware that that does not apply in a good many parts of the West Riding?

The SOLICITOR-GENERAL

I cannot give any idea when the next meeting of the Advisory Committee will take place, but I will try to find out, and will inform the hon. Member, if it can be ascertained. As to the other part of his supplementary question, I will convey it to the Lord Chancellor.

Mr. WILLIAMS

Will the hon. and learned Gentleman impress upon the Lord Chancellor the fact that a very large number of certificates have to be signed, and that many of the new districts in the South Yorkshire area have no justices of the peace?

Mr. MACKINDER

Is it customary for the Lord Chancellor to get advice from the Advisory Committee?

The SOLICITOR-GENERAL

The advisory committees are intended for the purpose which their name suggests, namely, to advise the Lord Chancellor.

Mr. MACKINDER

Is it customary in these eases to reject all their advice?