§ 43. Mr. MANDERasked the Home Secretary how far it is the practice for chief constables to occupy a seat on the bench or beside the clerks of the justices in the courts of summary jurisdiction; and whether this practice has the approval of the Home Office?
§ Sir J. SIMONChief constables, of course, exercise a function which is quite distinct from that of the judiciary and take no part in the deliberation or decision of magistrates. I feel sure that a chief constable, if present in court, always endeavours to take up a position which leaves no room for doubt on this point.