§ 6. Mr. G. Thomasasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department the number of local authorities which permit aldermen to serve indefinite periods of office without seeking re-election at the polls; and whether he is satisfied that this custom is desirable and democratic.
§ Mr. EdeI presume my hon. Friend refers to the re-election by local authorities or retiring aldermen. Retiring aldermen, if qualified, are eligible for re-election, but I have no information to what extent they are re-elected in practice.