§ Mr. McMasterTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many justices of the peace in Scotland are(a) men and (b) women; and if he will make a statement.
§ Lord James Douglas-HamiltonThe information is set out in the table.
I am advised on the appointment of justices of the peace for each district and islands area by advisory committees. The committees have all been given guidance to the effect that it is desirable that the area of selection be wide and the choice comprehensive, so that commissions of the peace may include both men and women and be broadly representative of all sections of the community which they serve.
Justices of the peace in Scotland as at 1 May 1991 Men Women Total Justices appointed by the Secretary of State 2,893 745 3,638 Ex officio justices nominated by local authorities 235 59 294 Justices by virtue of having held office as a magistrate immediately before 16 May 1975 418 44 462 All justices 3,546 848 4,394