HC Deb 19 April 1971 vol 815 cc337-8W
Mr. Arthur Lewis

asked the Attorney-General whether, in view of the number of cases now coming before the courts concerning political matters, he will discontinue the practice of appointing as chairmen and deputy chairmen of quarter sessions, recorderships and other judicial offices, Members of Parliament and others who take part in day-to-day party political activities, to ensure that there can be no charge of political prejudice.

The Attorney-General

No.

Mr. Arthur Lewis

asked the Attorney-General whether he will publish in HANSARD as full and detailed a statement as may be readily available giving the names and positions of persons other than members, holding stated judicial appointments who were on appointment, or are now, actively concerned with party political activities; and whether he will take action to ensure that a limitation is placed upon such appointments in the future.

The Attorney-General

No.

Mr. Arthur Lewis

asked the Attorney-General whether he will publish in the OFFICIAL REPORT as full and detailed a list as may be readily available, going back for 12 months or the longest convenient period of time, whichever is the longer, the number of judges, county court magistrates, recorders, and stipendiary magistrates and others in a judicial position who have to award sentences, who, other than Members of Parliament, were prior to their appointment known to be active in party political affairs, giving the party on whose behalf political activity was carried out.

The Attorney-General

No.