§ Mr. LUNNasked the Home Secretary whether there are any counties or boroughs where a fee is compulsorily imposed on those who are selected to be justices of the peace by the advisory committee when they are sworn in at the sessions; what is the amount of the fee in each area; and to what purpose is the money allocated?
Captain CROOKSHANKThe fee, which varied in amount, has generally been abandoned, but I do not know in how many areas it still survives. Where charged, it would ordinarily be paid into local funds.
§ Mr. LUNNIs the hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that under the present system in some places no payment is made, while in many others there are compulsory payments up to the amount of two guineas which constitute a real hardship to poorer people who may be sworn in as magistrates; and will he have inquiries made into this matter?
§ Lieut.-Colonel HENEAGEWill my hon. and gallant Friend try to persuade all the other counties to follow the example of the more enlightened counties in this respect?
Captain CROOKSHANKAll I can say in reply is that the Home Office recommended some time ago that the fee should no longer be charged.