HC Deb 04 June 1981 vol 5 cc390-2W
Mr. Cryer

asked the Attorney-General what method and criteria were used to determine the final list of magistrates on the Keighley magistrates' bench for the last three years.

The Solicitor-General

The local advisory committee on justices of the peace considered in each of the last three years the requirements of the Keighley bench, and following the interviewing of the candidates decided on those they considered to be the most suitable to recommend to the Lord Chancellor for appointment. The primary consideration in the selection has been that the chosen candidates should be personally suitable in

Occupational Category Nominated 1978 Candidates Rejected Deferred
M F M F M F
1. Teachers 2 1 1
2. Other Professionals 4 2 3 1 1
3. Civil or Local Government Servants 2 1
4. Directors of National or large companies
5. Directors of small companies, managers, self-employed 2 2
6. Supervisory Staff 1 1
7. Other employees 1 1 1
8. Other categories 1
9. Housewives 5 3
Nominations received from all sources 13 9
Appointments made 6 male 3 female

Occupational Category Nominated 1979 Candidates Rejected Deferred
M F M F M F
1. Teachers 5 2 4 1 1
2. Other Professionals 3 2 1 2
3. Civil or Local Government Servants
4. Directors of National or large companies 1 1
5. Directors of small companies, managers, self-employed 1 1 1
6. Supervisory Staff 1 1 1
7. Other employees 3 2
8. Other categories 1 2 1 1
9. Housewives 3 1
Nominations received from all sources 12 14
Appointments made 4 male 5 female

Occupational Category Nominated 1980 Candidates Rejected Deferred
M F M F M F
1. Teachers 3 2 2 2
2. Other Professionals 2 1 1
3. Civil or Local Government Servants 1
4. Directors of National or large companies
5. Directors of small companies, managers, self-employed 2 2 1 1
6. Supervisory Staff 1 1
7. Other employees
8. Other categories 1
9. Housewives 3 3
Nominations received from all sources 10 8
Appointments made 6 male 2 female

NoteCandidates are frequently deferred for one or more years.

character, integrity and understanding and should be generally recognised as such by those among whom they live and work. The other principal criterion has been the need to ensure as far as possible that the composition of the bench reflected a fair balance of the various sections of the local community.

Mr. Cryer

asked the Attorney-General how many nominations were received from all sources by the secretary of Keighley magistrates' bench in each of the last three years; and if he will indicate the occupation and sex of the nominees and give the number rejected in each category.

The Solicitor-General

The following table gives the information requested.