HC Deb 13 March 1929 vol 226 cc1138-9W
Colonel WOODCOCK

asked the Attorney-General if, in view of the fact that during the last six years only 51 advisory committees of the county areas out of a total of 105 for the selection of justices of the peace, and of 107 advisory committees for borough areas out of a total of 212 for the same period, have been revised, he will ask the Lord Chancellor whether he will consider the expediency of taking immediate steps to expedite the revision of the remainder of these committees instead of allowing the matter to be postponed Indefinitely for years?

The ATTORNEY-GENERAL

The Lord Chancellor fully realises the desirability of the early completion of the re-constitution of these Advisory Committees. The work is being carried out as expeditiously as possible, having regard to the inquiries which must be made as to the suitability of existing members, and of persons recommended for appointment, and also having regard to the need for reviewing the composition of committees already re-constituted at the end of their terms of office. The work has in fact been expedited, as will appear from the fact that during the eleven months ending 28th February, 1929, 50 committees have been re-constituted, as against 22 in the twelve months ending 31st December, 1926, and 25 in the twelve months ending 31st December, 1927.