HC Deb 20 April 1971 vol 815 cc383-4W
Mr. Arthur Lewis

asked the Attorney-General whether he is aware of the growing practice of Members of Parliament being appointed as Chairmen and Deputy Chairmen of Quarter Sessions and as Recorders, which, in addition, to their other public duties as Members, make it difficult for them to fit in these appointments; and whether he will introduce a Bill to clarify these appointments as offices of profit under the Crown debarred to Members of Parliament.

The Attorney-General

No; the practice is not a growing one and I do not think it would be right for those Members of Parliament otherwise eligible and willing to serve in a part-time judicial capacity to be debarred from appointment and so deprived of the opportunity to gain judicial experience.

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