HC Deb 01 March 1934 vol 286 cc1268-9
57. Captain CROOKSHANK

asked the Attorney-General how many magistrates only attend in court once a year and that on the occasion of the brewster sessions; and whether consideration will be given to removing from the list of magistrates those who do not attend more than some specified number of times during the year, with the necessary exceptions on the ground of temporary ill-health?

The SOLICITOR-GENERAL (Sir Donald Somervell)

I am informed that there are no records enabling me to give my hon. and gallant Friend the information asked for in the first part of the question. Non-attendance at court is not in itself a sufficient ground for the removal of a magistrate, as many useful magisterial duties can be, and are, performed out of court.

Captain CROOKSHANK

Is my hon. and learned Friend aware that there is a good deal of dissatisfaction about the conduct of the brewster sessions?

Mr. RHYS DAVIES

Will the Solicitor-General look at the report of the Departmental Committee on Young Offenders, where a recommendation is made for the appointment of a larger number of younger magistrates?

Mr. JOHN RUTHERFORD

Is my hon. and learned Friend aware that a great number of magistrates attend brewster sessions only, purely with a view to voting down licences?