§ 53. Captain CUNNINGHAM-REIDasked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury what expenditure is required from high sheriffs of counties and shires in respect of the provision of judges' lodgings, in connection with executions, etc.; if he will give the highest and lowest figure of expenditure by high sheriffs in the last convenient year; and if he will introduce legislation to remove from individuals while holding the office of high sheriff the necessity of bearing any part of the cost of the necessary machinery of justice?
§ Mr. HORE-BELISHAHigh sheriffs are not required to expend any specified sums in connection with the provision of judges' lodgings, executions, etc., but allowances are made to them from the Exchequer in respect of the expenses incurred in the performance of their various statutory duties. I am sending the hon. 1680 and gallant Member particulars of the allowances customarily made, which I have no reason to regard as inadequate to meet the costs necessarily incurred. As regards the second part of the question, my information does not extend to the total amount expended by any sheriff during his term of office, but only to the amount which he claims to be allowed by the Treasury. In this connection I may say that, taking the year 1931–32, the highest amount claimed was £1,705, of which £1,701 was allowed, and the lowest amount £71, which was allowed in full. As regards the last part of the question, I see no need for legislation on this subject.