§ Mr. MILLSasked the Attorney-General what was the procedure adopted in the appointment of advisory councils in the County of Kent preparatory to the nomination of new Justices of the Peace; and what were the terms of reference or instructions issued to these councils by the then Lord Chancellor on the matter?
§ The ATTORNEY-GENERALI assume that my hon. Friend is referring to the Advisory Committee set up by the Lord Chancellor in the County of Kent. This Committee was appointed on the 1st April, 1929. On appointment, each member of the Committee receives a copy of the Report of the Royal Commission on the Appointment of Justices of the Peace, 1910.
§ Mr. MILLSasked the Attorney-General if he is aware of the disparity of Justices of the Peace to the constantly growing areas of Belvedere, Abbey Wood, Erith, Bexley, Dartford, Greenhithe, and Swanscombe; and if, in view of the age and state of health of certain Magistrates still acting, steps will be taken to ensure early appointments of extra Magistrates or Justices of the Peace in these areas?
§ The ATTORNEY - GENERALMy Noble Friend, the Lord Chancellor, has received a complaint that there is a shortage of Magistrates in certain of the areas mentioned. He is taking active steps to inquire into the matter and, if a shortage is found to exist, the necessary steps will be taken to meet the situation.