HC Deb 12 April 1945 vol 409 cc1979-80
60. Dr. Russell Thomas

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department on what grounds he departed from precedent in appointing a woman to be a Metropolitan stipendiary magistrate.

Mr. H. Morrison

Appointments as Metropolitan Police Court Magistrates are made by His Majesty on the recommendaiton of the Home Secretary, and it would be contrary to precedent to detail the reasons for any advice tendered to His Majesty. I can however say that I was, and am, satisfied that Miss Campbell possesses qualities which will make her a valuable addition to the Metropolitan Bench.

Mrs. Tate

Does not the right hon. Gentleman realise how very distressing any departure from the obsolete past must always be to the hon. Member who asks the Question?

Mr. Gallacher

Is the Home Secretary aware that that applies generally to the other side?

Dr. Edith Summerskill

Is my right hon. Friend aware, in view of the source of this Question, that he may be reassured that he has done the right thing?

Mr. Morrison

I will try to draw corn-fort from what my hon. Friend says.