HC Deb 30 March 1944 vol 398 c1551
44. Mr. J. H. Hollins

asked the Attorney-General how far the non-statutory bar imposed by the Lord Chancellor against the appointment of retail licence-holders to the Commission of the Peace is extended to the elimination of persons who are only professionally associated with the retail licensed trade and persons who are employed at licensed premises.

The Attorney-General (Sir Donald Somervell)

For many years successive Lord Chancellors have refrained from appointing to the Bench persons who are in possession of retail licences. As regards persons who are only professionally associated with the retail licensed trade and persons employed at licensed premises, each case must be considered on its merits.

Mr. Evelyn Walkden

Is the right hon. and learned Gentleman not aware that persons employed by licensees and persons employed by retailers are also the subject of the same ban?

The Attorney-General

I was not aware of that. I have no doubt that if my hon. Friend will give me particulars, my Noble Friend will consider them. There are cases where the association is clearly such that the ban ought to apply; but if my hon. Friend knows of cases which he thinks go past what is proper, my Noble Friend will consider them.