At least one-in-15 magistrates in Sussex are members of the Freemasons.

Latest figures obtained through the Freedom of Information Act shows that, of magistrates whose status is known, 7.9 per cent in East Sussex and four per cent in West Sussex are in the secret society. In comparison, just 2.2 per cent of magistrates in Merseyside and 1.6 per cent of magistrates in Greater Manchester are masons.

Masonic rules state members must support each other and keep each others' lawful secrets.

Critics argue those oaths of allegiance could put them at odds with their duty as a magistrate. They claim a magistrate who is a mason could be put in a compromising position because they have to respect the laws of the lodge.

Labour MP for Brighton Pavilion David Lepper does not think it is a problem, as long as magistrates do not sit in cases concerning other masons.

He said: "I think it is one of those concerns that people should declare because it is membership of an organisation which might be seen to influence people's views.

"People in a position such as magistrates and elected officials should have to declare any interest. As long as people who are free-masons declare that, there can be no suspicion of hiding something.

"If they have knowledge of anyone coming before them, they should not be involved in the case."

Magistrates are required to declare their membership but are not necessarily removed from a case involving masons because of their lodge links.

Peter Farr, spokesman for the Department for Constitutional Affairs, said: "Because of the judicial oath and the responsibility of being a magistrate I don't think it would be necessary to bar them from sitting on a case. A magistrate would want to distance themselves if they have a link of some sort.

Bob Lewis, the provincial grand secretary for Sussex Freemasons, in Queen's Road, Brighton, said : "People who are applying to become magistrates are closely vetted. Normally masons are even-handed people so would probably make good candidates for magistrates. I cannot see how being both would clash."