§ 52. Mr. PALINGasked the Attorney-General whether, with regard to the appointments recently made as justices of the peace for the liberty of Peterborough, he will say whether such appointments were made on the recommendation of the advisory committee for that district; whether he is aware that one of the justices is only 23 years of age, and what were the special qualifications that led to his appointment?
§ The ATTORNEY-GENERAL (Sir Thomas Inskip)The persons recently appointed to be Justices of the Peace for the Liberty of Peterborough were recommended to the Lord Chancellor by the Advisory Committee for that district. My Noble Friend understands that the second part of the question refers to Lord Burghley. The Lord Chancellor understands that Lord Burghley takes an active interest in the public life of the Liberty; he is satisfied that Lord Burghley is personally well fitted to hold the office of Justice of the Peace, and he thinks it desirable that a young man of standing in the district should be given the opportunity early in life of gaining experience in public affairs.
§ Mr. PALINGIs the hon. and learned Gentleman aware that there is a great deal of dissatisfaction in the district because of the appointment of this young man who, it is said, has never done anything in public life while older men and 1876 women have been passed over in his favour?
§ Mr. T. WILLIAMSIs it the case that in the same district there are men of 10 and 20 years and even longer experience in public life, with honourable records, who have been rejected when their names have been sent in; and why should men with splendid records of public work be turned down when this young man with no record is appointed?
§ The ATTORNEY-GENERALI am not prepared to enter into a discussion of the comparative merits of many people who would be eminently fitted for the same post.
§ Mr. PALINGIs it the case that a relation of this young man is lord-lieutenant and the chairman of the advisory committee?
§ The ATTORNEY-GENERALIn answer to the question put by the hon. Member opposite, I am not aware of the relationship referred to.
§ Mr. WILLIAMSIs the hon. and learned Gentleman aware that the lord-lieutenant for the district in which this Liberty is situated is Lord Exeter, who is the father of Lord Burghley; and does he think that that gentleman would recommend anybody else of 23 years of age for this honour?