HC Deb 28 November 1945 vol 416 cc1324-5
78. Mr. Alpass

asked the Attorney-General if he is aware that of the 319 justices of the peace for the county of Gloucester only 49 of these are members of the Labour Party; that the Labour Party has only two members out of nine on the advisory committee; and if he will take steps to adjust this position in the early future.

The Attorney-General

As my hon. Friend is no doubt aware, the responsibility for the advice given to the Crown in relation to the selection and appointment of justices of the peace, rests with the Lord Chancellor. While my Noble Friend has no up to date information as to the present number of justices on the commission of the peace for the county of Gloucester, or how many of these are members of the Labour Party, he has no reason to suppose that the figures given in the Question are not substantially correct, but it seems probable that the figure of 319 includes about 50 ex officio justices and justices on the supplemental list.

A number of appointments were made to the county commission in June last, and my Noble Friend is satisfied that it would not be justifiable to make further appointments at present. The Lord Chancellor's Advisory Committee for the county of Gloucester consists, in addition to the ex officio chairman, His Majesty's Lord Lieutenant, of eight members of whom three are Conservative, two are Labour, two are Independent and one is Liberal. My Noble Friend will give careful consideration to the question whether the Labour membership of the committee should not be increased forthwith.

Earl Winterton

May I ask the hon. and learned Gentleman whether it is the intention of his Department or himself, representing the Lord Chancellor, to issue a White Paper, stating if any departure is to be made in future from the ordinary practice of making justices of the peace? Is he prepared to issue a White Paper in view of a statement, which I cannot refer to in this House?

The Attorney-General

There is no immediate intention to issue a White Paper on that matter. Some discussion took place in the House a few days ago in regard to it, and the matter may be the subject of consideration by a Royal Commission.