HC Deb 14 July 1949 vol 467 cc642-3
18. Mr. Thomas Reid

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department in view of the representations made to him by the Swindon Town Council that this borough be not deprived of its separate Commission of the Peace, what steps he is taking in the matter.

Mr. Ede

The Justices of the Peace Bill proposes to abolish the separate Commissions of the Peace of non-county boroughs. It would not be possible, within the compass of a reply to a Parliamentary Question, to give the reasons for this proposal, but the House will have an opportunity of discussing this matter when the Bill comes to this House from another place. In the meantime, the representations made by the Swindon Town Council will receive consideration.

Mr. Reid

Is my right hon. Friend aware of the unique position of the town of Swindon, in the County of Wiltshire, in view of the fact that it is the only big industrial town in the county? It has a high standard of administration and both the council and the people of Swindon are very anxious that they should not lose their separate Commission of the Peace.

Mr. Ede

Those are arguments which can be advanced when the Bill is here, and I shall then be prepared to consider them.