§ Mr. Grocottasked the Attorney-General (1) if he will publish in the Official Report a table to show the occupational background of magistrates: (a) for 1965. and (b) for 1975;
225W(2) if he will publish in the Official Report a table to show the social class of magistrates, according to the Registrar General's classification, for the following years: (a) 1965, and (b) 1975.
(3) if he will publish a table showing the political allegiances of magistrates, based on the return which people applying for the bench provide on their application forms.
The Attorney GeneralI am advised by my noble Friend that the information asked for in respect of the occupational background and political allegiance of magistrates is not presently available in a form which summarises the relevant facts for the whole of England and Wales. If the hon. Member has any particular geographical areas or magisterial benches in mind, my noble Friend will be happy to provide him with such specific information as may be available. I am advised by my noble Friend that the information asked for in respect of the social class of magistrates according to the Registrar-General's classification is not available in any form.