HC Deb 30 June 1937 vol 325 cc1957-8
43. Mr. Ritson

asked the Attorney-General when the last meeting of the Advisory Committee of Durham City magistrates was held; and whether the two last appointments to the Advisory Committee, one of whom was appointed in 1933, have attended any meetings?

The Attorney-General (Sir Donald Somervell)

The Advisory Committee for the City of Durham has not been called together since 1932 because the number of Justices in the City of Durham is more than enough for the discharge of the magisterial duties. The two new members of this Committee who were appointed in January, 1933, and April, 1935, respectively, have, therefore, not been summoned to any meetings of the Advisory Committee.

Mr. Ritson

Is it not the usual thing that in arrangements between the parties there should be a balance, and as these two men who have been nominated by the Lord Chancellor are miners' representatives is it fair that the bench should want to keep itself to itself and should refuse to accept advice from these two people? Is the hon. and learned Gentleman aware that the same bench, or members of it, the other week were sufficient and strong- enough to give a man two months on his first appearance; and does he not think it is about time there was a new bench of magistrates?

The Attorney-General

In answer to the first part of the hon. Gentleman's supplementary question, I do not think he has quite understood the position. There has not been anything for the Advisory Committee to do because there are more than sufficient magistrates for the area, and as there was not anything for the committee to do, it would have been a waste of the members' time if they had been called together.

Mr. Ritson

Does the hon. and learned Gentleman know that we object to cathedral and university opinion in the centre of a mining area?

Mr. Batey

Will the Attorney-General say who has authority, to call the Advisory Committee together, and who decides as to whether or not there is anything for the Advisory Committee to do?

The Attorney-General

I imagine it is the chairman.

Mr. Whiteley

Is the hon. and learned Gentleman aware that there is a big demand in Durham City at the present time, and has been for some years, for some lady magistrates, and that the Advisory Committee has not even been called upon to discuss that matter?

The Attorney-General

I was not aware of that.

Mr. Batey

May I ask who is the chairman?