§ 41. Mr. MANDERasked the Attorney-General what petty sessional divisions are still without women magistrates; and what progress has been made in recent months in providing for the presence of women magistrates in all children's courts?
§ The SOLICITOR-GENERAL (Sir Donald Somervell)As regards the first part of the question, on 14th December last my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary gave the most recent figures derived from information specially asked for from 986 Petty Sessional Divisions. It is too early to ask for another return. As regards the second part, I am in- 1033 formed by my Noble Friend, the Lord Chancellor, that a large number of women have been added to the various Commissions of the Peace in recent months. Those who are specially qualified for dealing with juvenile cases are eligible for appointment to the juvenile court panels under the Juvenile Courts (Constitution) Rules, 1934, which my Noble Friend made on the 13th March, enabling the justices under the Juvenile Courts (Constitution) Rules, 1933, to add to the panels any specially qualified justices at any time.
§ Mr. MANDERIs the hon. and learned Gentleman in a postion to say how many women have been added, or have we to wait until the circular is published?
§ The SOLICITOR-GENERALI have not actually got the number before me. The difficulty in giving the figures is that my Noble Friend knows the number added to the County Commission, but has not the details as to the petty sessional divisions to which they may be allotted.
§ Mr. JANNERCan my hon. and learned Friend say whether inquiries will be made from time to time as to the position?
§ The SOLICITOR-GENERALI can assure my hon. Friend that my Noble Friend will keep his eye on the position.