HC Deb 12 December 1946 vol 431 cc1321-3
33. Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

asked the Attorney-General whether, in view of the fact that the names of Messrs I. W. Evans, Cecil Godfrey and Dale H. Parkinson, had been added to the Surrey Federation of Labour Parties' approved list of nominations for justices of the peace has been published in the "Surrey County Clarion," Surrey's Labour monthly, and that consequently, if appointed to the bench, these gentlemen will be known to be political nominees, consideration will be given to the undesirability of making these particular appointments.

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Treasury (Mr. William Whiteley)

I have been asked to reply.

As the hon. Member is no doubt aware, the Lord Chancellor, who is responsible for the advice given to the Crown in relation to the selection and appointment of justices of the peace, is assisted in the county of Surrey, as elsewhere, by an ad isory committee. My noble Friend has no objection to any organisation, political or otherwise, suggesting to his advisory committees the names of persons considered by the organisation to be suitably qualified for appointment as justices, and it is for the advisory committees in the first instance to review the names and credentials of all candidates brought to their notice and, as a result of such review, to make recommendations to the Lord Chancellor.

My noble Friend is of opinion that it is desirable for many reasons that the names of candidates should not be prematurely published, but he has no power to prevent publication by an independent body. He would, however, be guided in his selection by the overriding consideration as to whether the candidates were individually suitable.

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

Does that answer mean that the right hon. Gentleman and the Government appreciate that gentlemen whose names have been published in advance as political nominees for the bench should, for that very reason, be disqualified from the public respect for their impartiality, which most reasonable people would regard as a fair requirement for appointment to the judicial bench?

Mr. Whiteley

All names are considered by the advisory committee. The answer to the hon. Gentleman's question is, "No."

Mr. Alpass

Is it not a fact that in many country districts one of the chief qualifications for quick entry on to the bench is to be chairman of the local Tory association?

Mr. Manningham-Buller

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether the Surrey Federation of Labour Parties' list was approved by the Labour Party, or the T.U.C.?

Mr. Whiteley

Various organisations make suggestions as to names, which have to be sent to the advisory committee. The local Labour Party is an organisation and has the right, just as much as anybody else, to suggest names.

Mr. Palmer

Is it not a fact that in the county of Surrey recently a great many Conservatives have been appointed to the bench?

Mr. Godfrey Nicholson

Is it not in any case desirable, whatever party they come from, that the names should remain confidential until the matter is finally decided? Should not the organisations in question be told this?

Mr. Whiteley

That was indicated in the answer to the main Question.

Sir Stanley Reed

Is not this the first occasion on which it has been laid down that nominees from political bodies would be acceptable?

Mr. Whiteley

No, Sir; as a member of an advisory committee I know that that is not correct.

Mr. David Jones

Is my right hon. Friend aware that this has been the practice for a very long time, and that the moment the lists are known there is no doubt about political affiliations or appointees?