HC Deb 14 December 1933 vol 284 cc517-8
23. Mr. MANDER

asked the Home Secretary in how many cases in connec- tion with the juvenile courts established under the Children's Act women justices have been placed on the panel; in how many cases no women were appointed; and in how many areas there are no women magistrates?

Sir J. GILMOUR

I have received information from 986 petty sessional divisions. In 773 divisions women justices have been appointed to serve on the juvenile court panel and in the remaining divisions no such appointments have been made. I understand that on 1st November there were 31 small boroughs where no women had been appointed to the borough commission of the peace. There were women justices on every county commission but there were 164 county divisions to which no woman justice had been attached. I am informed by the Lord Chancellor that since the 1st November 71 women have been added to county and borough commissions.

Mr. MANDER

What action is taken to see that there is a woman available to serve in every one of these juvenile courts?

Sir J. GILMOUR

I am sure the Lord Chancellor will take such action as he thinks proper.

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