§ Mr. Cryerasked the Attorney-General what are the criteria adopted by the advisory committees in recommending magistrates with regard to age, occupation, experience, religion, political attitudes and outside activities.
§ The Attorney-GeneralThe primary consideration is personal suitability in character. Subject to this, it is sought to ensure that so far as possible benches throughout the country are so composed as to reflect a fair balance of 439W the various sectors of the community they serve, as regards age, sex, occupational background, political affiliations, area of residence, and other similar matters.
§ Mr. Cryerasked the Attorney-General whether he has received information that any members of the published magistrates advisory panels have faced undue pressure as a result of their names being published; and what is his policy towards the publication of names on the advisory panels.
§ The Attorney-GeneralSo far only the Inner London Advisory Committee has published the identity of its members. No information of undue pressure has been received by Her Majesty's Government. The policy regarding such publication is that contained in the reply to the hon. Member on 12 November 1980.—[Vol. 992, c. 217–18.]