§ 38. Mr. Ellisasked the Attorney-General how many magistrates in Wales have been asked to resign in the last 12 months.
§ The Attorney-GeneralDuring the past 12 months one magistrate in Wales has resigned as the result of a request from my noble Friend to do so. In one other case my noble Friend was content to accept an undertaking after receiving a personal explanation from the magistrate concerned.
§ Mr. EllisIs the right hon. and learned Gentleman aware that correspondence made publicly available in the magazinePlanet 12 between the Lord Chancellor and the magistrate concerned at least justifies an inquiry into the resignation? Will the Attorney-General ask his noble Friend to think again, and initiate an inquiry into the whole affair by independent jurists?
§ The Attorney-GeneralI do not think that that is necessary. As I explained, one magistrate, following the case which the hon. Gentleman probably has in mind, resigned, and the other gave an undertaking which was acceptable.
§ Mr. George ThomasIs the right hon. and learned Gentleman aware that the Lord Chancellor has the support of the overwhelming body of Welsh people in the action that he took in this case?
§ The Attorney-GeneralI am grateful to the right hon. Gentleman for that comment. It is unnecessary to state how important it is, but it is important that such magistrates should carry out their duties in relation to the law and their oath.