HC Deb 19 December 1933 vol 284 cc1112-3
57. Mr. MANDER

asked the Attorney-General what fresh appointments are contemplated in the 164 county divisions and 31 boroughs where there is no woman magistrate, and therefore no woman eligible to serve on the new juvenile courts?

Sir VICTOR WARRENDER (Vice-Chamberlain of the Household)

I have been asked to reply. The figures given in the quesiton refer to the position on the 1st November lust. Since then 72 new women justices have been appointed, and the question of the further appointment of more women as justices specially for the work in the juvenile courts has been and is receiving the careful consideration of my Noble Friend, the Lord Chancellor.

Mr. MANDER

Do I understand that it is intended gradually to appoint women on every bench, so that the Children Act can be fully carried out, and will the hon. Gentleman represent that to the Attorney-General?

Viscountess ASTOR

Will the hon. Gentleman bear in mind that there are over 20,000 men magistrates and under 2,000 women magistrates?