§ 36. Mr. Kaufmanasked the Attorney-General if he will remove Mr. Neil McElligott from the list of magistrates.
§ Mr. KaufmanIs the right hon. and learned Gentleman aware that Mr. McElligott's reputation for prejudicial and intemperate remarks in his court has been capped by a statement to a woman from the Lebanon who was before him for shoplifting that 75 per cent. of shoplifting cases in Marlborough Street court were by people from her part of the world, who came to this country simply to thieve? In view of the fact that the Home Office has told me that no statistics of this kind are available, and since this is a mass slander against millions of people, does the right hon. and learned Gentleman really say that such a man is fit to dispense justice?
§ The Attorney-GeneralThe hon. Gentleman would perhaps like to be told about these statistics. In the three days immediately prior to 29th March there were 17 cases of shoplifting before the court, all of people of considerable means and ability to pay, all of whom came from the Near or Middle East—[An HON. MEMBER: "Out of how many?"]. Out 931 of a total of 29 cases. This case concerned a woman who had £90 on her and who had stolen about £9 worth of goods. This remark was made to defending counsel by the magistrate when he pointed out:
It seems that London has a fascination for them—people of considerable substance who just come here to thieve.I consider what the magistrate said was justifiable.
§ Mr. BodyIs my right hon. and learned Friend aware that, among those who habitually prosecute and defend in the Metropolitan courts, there is scarcely a magistrate more highly regarded than Mr. McElligott?
§ The Attorney-GeneralI am glad to hear that from my hon. Friend.