§ 6. Mr. Nigel Evans (Ribble Valley)When he next intends to visit the Ribble valley to discuss his responsibilities in relation to the Duchy. [39794]
§ The Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster (Dr. David Clark)I had the opportunity to pay a visit to the Ribble valley on 1 September 1997 during a tour of the Duchy estates, but I have no plans to pay another visit in the immediate future.
§ Mr. EvansThat is a great shame— I hope that the Chancellor will look again at his diary. I do not accept the rubbish written in newspapers to the effect that he is ready for the chop in the Prime Minister's first reshuffle, because I am sure that the Prime Minister has total confidence in him and the work that he has done over the past 12 months. In the many months ahead of him, will he visit the Ribble valley and other parts of the Duchy to get the message across about the fund he has at his disposal that receives money from people who have died intestate, which helps organisations, some of which are in the Ribble valley? Will he give publicity to that fund, so that more organisations will be able to apply for funds from that source?
§ Dr. ClarkI know the Ribble valley well and have spent many enjoyable hours on the side of Clougha and around Dunsop bridge. I accept the hon. Gentleman's kind words. I am not a trustee of the benevolent fund, but, since assuming office, I have widened the membership of the trustees of the fund and have requested— the request has been agreed to— that each of the three lords lieutenant in the County Palatine should have advisory committees to help them to make assessments as to how the charitable grants should be disbursed. I shall certainly take on board the hon. Gentleman's point and try to increase the publicity given to the benevolent fund.
§ Mr. Peter L. Pike (Burnley)I know that my right hon. Friend is anxious to ensure that magistrates represent the areas in which they serve. In the Ribble valley and the whole of the County Palatine, is he getting sufficient nominations to ensure that magistrates benches are representative of their local area?
§ Dr. ClarkMy hon. Friend makes a pertinent point. When appointing magistrates, one is required to follow the guideline that one should appoint magistrates who reflect the demographic character of the local population, specifically including the political and religious character. I have to say that, within the County Palatine, there has been a considerable imbalance. That cannot be put right overnight, but we need to make great efforts to ensure that we follow the guidelines. To assist, I have tried to ease up the age of initial appointment, and now, not only in the County Palatine but throughout England, initial appointments to the magistrates bench can be made up to the age of 65, instead of there being a cut-off age of 55. Many people have taken early retirement and have the experience and the knowledge to make good magistrates. I urge hon. Members on both sides of the House to submit names to the responsible bodies, to try to ensure that that key feature of our magistracy and our legislative system can flourish.