§ 50. Sir C. Osborneasked the Attorney-General in view of the fact that judges are considered fit to continue their work until the age of 75 years, why the Government is insisting that chairmen of magistrates shall retire at 70 years of age.
§ The Attorney-GeneralThe qualities and experience required of a judge of the High Court are different from those required of a justice of the peace. Moreover, judges are normally appointed at a later age than magistrates. My noble 972 Friend the Lord Chancellor, is, therefore, satisfied that it would not be appropriate for their retiring ages to be the same. He is, however, keeping this matter under consideration.
§ Sir C. OsborneWhat evidence has the right hon. and learned Gentleman to show that chairmen of magistrates become more senile than judges? Since many chairmen of magistrates are still very active mentally, will he please alter this decision?
§ The Attorney-GeneralI do not think that there is any implication of senility in this decision—
§ Sir C. OsborneThen why take it?
§ The Attorney-General—which was taken by my noble Friend. He announced that he was proposing to reduce the maximum age limit from 75 to 70 in his presidential address to the Magistrates' Association in August of last year, and the Association accepted his decision.