§ Mr. D. J. Williamsasked the Attorney-General who selects the members of the committees which advise the lord lieutenant of the county on the appointment of justices of the peace; what are the qualifications considered necessary for membership of these committees; who are 425W the present members of the advisory committee for the county of Glamorgan; and when they were appointed.
§ The Attorney-GeneralThe members of the advisory committees referred to are appointed by the Lord Chancellor in accordance with the recommendation of the Royal Commission of 1911, to assist him personally and confidentially on certain matters in relation to the selection of justices of the peace. Members of his committees are almost invariably experienced justices, and are persons well acquainted with their areas, and who associate with, and know personally, the candidates whom they recommend for appointment. For many years care has been taken to ensure that the advisory committees are fairly representative of the political parties, but it is not unusual for the committees to comprise members of no definite political associations.
It has long been the practice not to make any public announcement either of 426W the names or proceedings of these committees. My Noble Friend the Lord Chancellor is reluctant to alter this practice until the matter has been considered by the Royal Commission which will shortly be set up.