§ 35. Mr. MalinsTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what plans she has to increase the number of female judges dealing with cases of domestic violence. [14666]
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§ Mr. HoonI have been asked to reply because although violence against women is a key priority for the Minister for Women, as this is a specific question relating to female judges, it falls to the Lord Chancellor's Department to answer.
The Lord Chancellor has the fullest confidence that all judges, regardless of gender, deal with cases of domestic violence with impartiality and consideration for the victims of domestic violence. The Lord Chancellor's policy is that all judicial appointments are, and will continue to be, made strictly on merit. He does however very much wish to encourage applications by well qualified women and is taking steps, including increased flexibility in part-time sittings arrangements, to that end.