§ 84. Mr. COCKSasked the Attorney-General whether there is any retiring age for Judges of the High Court, County Court Judges, or magistrates; and, if not, whether he will take powers to secure the retirement of anyone holding any such position who may be suffering from such infirmities due to advancing years as may affect the efficient performance of his or her duties?
§ The SOLICITOR-GENERAL (Sir Stafford Cripps)There is no retiring age for Judges of the High Court or for justices of the peace, or for County Court Judges who were appointed before 1919 and did not accept the provisions of the County Court Judges (Retirement, Pensions and Deputies) Act passed in that year. All these Judges and magistrates must be relied upon to resign before infirmity affects the efficient performance of their duties. Other County Court Judges retire between the ages of 72 and 75 under the Act which I have mentioned. The retiring age of Metropolitan stipendiary magistrates is 70, but it is within the discretion of the Secretary of State for Home Affairs to retain any magis- 2467 trate whose services are of exceptional value until he attains the age of 72. There is no intention to take powers as suggested by the hon. Member.
§ Mr. COCKSIs the Solicitor-General aware of the very strong feeling that His Majesty's lieges should be protected from the stupidities of doddering old age?
§ The SOLICITOR-GENERALI am not aware of that feeling.
§ Miss WILKINSONAs the Solicitor-General does not feel able to take powers in this matter, does he not think that a few hints are required?
§ Mr. LEIF JONESWill the hon. and learned Gentleman take action to preserve us from the rash experiments of youth?