§ Mr. Rookerasked the Secretary of State for Employment (1) how many persons are currently serving on industrial tribunals; how far short this number is from the estimate of the numbers required following recent legislation; and if he will make a statement;
(2) how many persons are currently serving on industrial tribunals in Birmingham; and how this number compares with requirements following recent legislation.
§ Mr. Harold WalkerIn Great Britain there are currently 65 full-time chairmen of industrial tribunals, 117 part-time chairmen and 2,146 lay members. When the new jurisdictions created by recent legislation are brought fully into operation at least 20 additional full-time chairmen, 40 additional part-time chairmen, and 140 additional lay members are likely, depending on how case loads develop, to be required.
In the area covered by the Birmingham regional office of the industrial tribunals there are currently seven full-time chairmen, nine part-time chairmen, and 185 lay members. A further full-time chairman divides his time between Birmingham and London. When the new jurisdictions are brought fully into operation at least two additional full-time chairmen four additional part-time chairmen, and 17 additional lay members are likely depending on how case loads develop, to be required.