§ 43. Mr. Whitakerasked the Attorney-General what proposals he now has for altering the selection of magistrates.
§ The Attorney-GeneralNone, Sir.
§ Mr. WhitakerI warmly welcome the changes my noble Friend the Lord Chancellor has made, but would it not be preferable to have as a criterion for selection the best possible people from all walks of life and not political nominations?
§ The Attorney-GeneralMy noble Friend the Lord Chancellor has emphasised that the over-riding consideration in the selection and appointment of justices is that they should be personally suitable in character, integrity, understanding and ability. Subject to that, justices should be drawn from all sections of the community and more and more steps are being taken to achieve that result.