HL Deb 11 June 1969 vol 302 cc635-6
LORD ABERDARE

My Lords, I beg leave to ask the Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.

[The Question was as follows:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what has happened to the High Constable of Miskin Higher.]

THE LORD CHANCELLOR (LORD GARDINER)

My Lords, the Answer to this important Question is that the office of High Constable is now obsolete, there being no person or body of persons with power to appoint to that office.

LORD ABERDARE

My Lords, I am grateful for that reply. May I ask how it is that a High Constable has been appointed every year up to the present?

THE LORD CHANCELLOR

My Lords, I think that must be an error. The question is one of law. I have no power to give any authoritative decision on law. Questions of law can only be decided by the courts.

LORD ABERDARE

My Lords, may I ask one other question? Is the noble and learned Lord aware that this historic and ancient office will be very much missed by people locally, not only because it is an ancient and historic office but also because its occupant, while doing no harm at all, was a centre for various charitable causes?

THE LORD CHANCELLOR

My Lords, it is, of course, a very old office, dating back at least to 1252, and occasioning various duties. But those duties gradually fell away or were given to others. Until 1922 the High Constable had functions in relation to juries. Those went under the Juries Act 1922. His only remaining office was in connection with rates, for which purpose he was appointed at the annual meeting of the justices at petty sessions when hearing rating appeals. In 1925 their jurisdiction to hear rating appeals was taken away from them. So there has been no body since then with power to appoint a High Constable.

VISCOUNT MONCK

My Lords, will the noble and learned Lord bear in mind that if this office carries remuneration, there are several of us who would like to be considered for it?

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