§ 56 and 57. Mr. RHYS DAVIESasked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster (1) whether he will take steps to make the Warrington Advisory Committee more representative, fill vacancies on the existing magisterial bench and, in doing so, pay special regard to the need for appointing men and women who have an understanding of the juvenile mind;
(2) whether he will state the present constitution of the Warrington Advisory Committee; when it was so constituted and who were asked to nominate; how many vacancies exist at the present time; when the committee last met; and whether he will take into consideration the dissatisfaction which is being expressed regarding the present personnel?
§ 58. Mr. LOGANasked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster the steps being taken to fill the vacancies caused by death and resignation on the magisterial bench at Warrington; and whether consideration is being given to the necessity for having magistrates, particularly women magistrates and those who have a knowledge of work amongst juveniles, to sit on the newly-constituted children's courts at Warrington?
§ The CHANCELLOR of the DUCHY of LANCASTER (Mr. J. C. Davidson)The Warrington Advisory Committee which consists of Mr. George Bowman, Mr. David Plinston and Mr. James Smethurst, was constituted in July, 1932, and has recently been reviewed. No vacancies exist. I am satisfied that the 801 Committee represents fairly the different shades of opinion in the borough and affords no reasonable ground for dissatisfaction. In the appointment of Lancashire Advisory Committees for which I am responsible, I am free to seek advice in the manner and from the source which appears most suitable but although I am in no way committed to consult any particular organisation or individual, all representations made to me receive most careful consideration. The dates of Committee meetings are a matter for the Committee. Recommendations of the Committee are considered when I am advised by them that a group of appointments to the bench is necessary for the due administration of justice. The attention of City and Borough Advisory Committees in Lancashire has been drawn to the need for magistrates specially qualified to deal with the new requirements under the Children and Young Persons Act.
§ Mr. GOLDIEWill the right hon. Member consider the desirability of placing a representative of the teaching profession in Warrington on the Warrington Borough Bench?
§ Mr. DAVIDSONThat, and other considerations, will be borne in mind.