§ 44. Mr. Barry JonesTo ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what efforts his Department are making to obtain the appointment of more female magistrates.
Mr. John M. TaylorThe Lord Chancellor, through his advisory committees, seeks to achieve a balance in the appointment of men and women. At 31 December 1992, 46 per cent. of magistrates were women, compared with 43 per cent. at the end of 1987 and 34 per cent. at the end of 1970. The Lord Chancellor also aims to achieve equality of sittings and he is very near achieving that. The percentage of women on the bench is rising consistently.
§ Mr. JonesIs not it true that many working women find it hard to get time off and that many employers are paring back to the point where females who could serve as magistrates cannot entertain the prospect? In many homes in which the male partner is unemployed, the female partner must go out to work. That is certainly the case in Wales. Many people feel that the junior Minister should do more to emphasise the need for female magis trates—and that if he did, he would have far better courts with which to work.
Mr. TaylorI am glad to hear the hon. Gentleman challenge me in his customary friendly way. My next magistrates visit will be to Cardiff and I shall bear the hon. Gentleman's remarks very much in mind when I am there.
§ Mr. BurnsDoes my hon. Friend agree that although more female magistrates and judges would be welcome, provided that they are appointed on merit, he should not be tempted positively to discriminate in favour of women if that is done simply for the sake of appointing more women, when they might not be as well qualified as men? That would be dangerous for the cause of women and for the judiciary.