§ 28. Mr. WilshireTo ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster how many magistrates he has appointed since he became Chancellor.
§ The Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster (Mr. Chris Patten)I have appointed 50 magistrates since my appointment as Chancellor of the Duchy.
§ Mr. WilshireDoes my right hon. Friend share my concern about the amount of time that they and all other magistrates have to spend dealing with councillors who have refused to pay their community charge, while still claiming their allowances? Will he confirm that that applies to more than 1,000 councillors and does he agree that such action shows the true face of Labour politics today?
§ Mr. PattenI entirely agree with my hon. Friend. It is estimated that 1,000 Labour councillors are not paying their community charge, although their concern about financial matters does not seem to extend to not claiming their council allowances. They all seem to be pretty good candidates for the supper club.