§ 29. Mr. GARDNERasked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that in most northern towns the method of summoning magistrates to hear cases in the police courts generally rests with the clerks to the courts; and, in view of the 1159 undesirability of this procedure, whether he will make inquiries into this matter?
§ Sir J. SIMONIt rests with the justices themselves to arrange for the staffing of each session of the court, and any arrangements made by the clerk are subject to the approval of the bench. At many courts attendance is regulated by a rota. If the suggestion is that the clerk selects particular justices to hear particular cases, I know of no foundation for the suggestion.
§ Mr. GARDNERIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that that charge has been made by a responsible member of the legal profession?
§ Sir J. SIMONI am not going to define a responsible member of the legal profession, but as a humble but responsible Home Secretary I say that I know of no ground for that suggestion.
§ Mr. G. GRIFFITHSIs it not a fact that one magistrate who was asleep was summoned the other day?