§ 34. Mrs. Braddockasked the Attorney-General how far the rules, which prevent High Court Judges making political speeches, will apply to judges of the recently created Crown Courts at Manchester and Liverpool.
§ The Attorney-General (Sir Reginald Manningham-Buller)In the opinion of my noble Friend, the Lord Chancellor, the ordinary understanding that Her Majesty's Judges do not state their views in public on political matters applies to the Recorders of Manchester and Liverpool.
§ Mrs. BraddockIn view of that reply, will the Attorney-General take the necessary steps to acquaint the judge in the Liverpool Crown Court with the fact that it is most unwise for him to state in public his opinions of the Welfare State and of working-class women working, as he will quite probably have to adjudicate in a case arising out of such matters?
§ Mr. SpeakerI do not think that I should allow a reply to that supplementary question. If the hon. Lady wishes to make any accusation against the judge it should be done in the proper way, and not by Question and Answer. She should put down a Motion.
§ Mrs. BraddockI am not making an allegation, Mr. Speaker. I am simply asking the Attorney-General to draw the learned judge's attention to the situation, and to rules that apply to him as well as to other judges.
§ The Attorney-GeneralI have no doubt that the learned recorder will take note of the reply I have given today.
§ Mrs. BraddockI hope so.