§ Mrs. RUNGE.asked the Home Secretary whether, in view of the fact that women are now appointed to the magisterial bench, he will consider the appointment of stipendiary women magistrates?
§ Sir J. GILMOURAs my hon. Friend is no doubt aware, the law requires that any person appointed to be a stipendiary magistrate shall possess certain professional qualifications which are not required of lay magistrates. A woman possessing such qualifications is eligible for appointment, and in making any recommendation my duty is to consider all the eligible candidates, and to endeavour to select the person who appears to be best fitted to carry out the duties.