HC Deb 27 October 1999 vol 336 cc925-6W
Mr. Malin

To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what plans he has to increase the number of stipendiary magistrates. [95471]

Jane Kennedy

My noble and learned Friend the Lord Chancellor recently consulted on a proposal to increase the present ceiling of 50 provincial stipendiary magistrates. After considering the responses received to the consultation, the Lord Chancellor proposes to seek parliamentary approval to an increase in the ceiling to 56.

Mr. Matins

To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what plans he has to increase the jurisdiction of the stipendiary bench. [95473]

Jane Kennedy

I have no plans to increase the jurisdiction of the stipendiary bench.