HC Deb 11 May 1944 vol 399 cc2077-8
43. Sir H. Williams

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department under what authority the Sheriff of the City of Lincoln is sitting as a Justice of the Peace in the city despite the provisions of the Sheriffs Act, 1887.

Mr. H. Morrison

I have no authority to give a ruling on a question of law, but Lincoln is a county of a city and it would appear that the provisions of the Sheriffs Act, 1887, prohibiting a sheriff from sitting as a Justice of the Peace in his county do not apply to a county of a city.

Sir H. Williams

Does not the Minister think it very undesirable that a magistrate who may commit a person for trial should subsequently pick the jury to try him; and will he make representations on that, although not in a position to make an Order?

Mr. Morrison

I will look into that point.