§ 3. Sir R. Caryasked the Attorney-General if he is aware that the City of Manchester has been without a stipen- 1794 diary magistrate since the retirement of the previous stipendiary magistrate on 6th September, 1964; and what is the present position with regard to the appointment of his successor.
§ The Attorney-GeneralYes. Under the provisions of Section 29 of the Justices of the Peace Act, 1949, no new stipendiary magistrate for Manchester can be appointed, except on a petition presented by the Manchester City Corporation, after consultation with the Magistrates' Courts Committee, to my right hon. and learned Friend, the Home Secretary. I understand that no such petition has yet been received.
§ Sir R. CaryIs the right hon. and learned Gentleman aware that legal opinion, both inside and outside the city, thinks it quite disgraceful that so great a city should have been without a stipendiary magistate since 6th September? Is he aware that the backlog of work is enormous, and will he make it his personal responsibility to see that an appointment is expedited?
§ The Attorney-GeneralIf those matters are accurately stated one would expect the legal opinion to be brought to bear on the local authority because, as I said, unless the local authority presents a petition nothing can be done under the arrangements which presently exist.