§ Mr. Parryasked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster if he is satisfied with the regulations concerning the disqualification of persons from the magistrates bench.
§ Mr. ParkinsonYes. There are a number of disqualifications from magisterial service, and these are necessary to maintain the efficiency, good reputation and impartiality of the bench. These bars from appointment ensure that there can be no incompatibility between the office of the magistrate and his or her day-to-day work. In addition, there are statutes which prevent magistrates from acting on the bench, such as the Sheriffs Act 1887 and the Bankruptcy Act 1883 which disqualify a magistrate absolutely from acting as such.