§ Mr. Hardyasked the Attorney-General whether the Lord Chancellor is satisfied that the average number of sittings expected from lay magistrates is at a level which does not prevent or discourage suitable individuals from accepting such service; and if he will make a statement.
§ The Solicitor-GeneralBefore appointment to the commission, candidates are told that they will be expected to undertake a fair share of the work of the bench. The minimum required of any one magistrate is 26 attendances per annum. Many sit more than the minimum, and, where practicable, 30 or even 35 attendances are encouraged. In larger and busier courts even more may be attempted by individuals. It is recognised that many magistrates may not be able to achieve this level owing to difficulty with their employment or business or personal circumstances, which is why the minimum is set at a significantly lower figure. It is recognised that there are exceptional circumstances in which even the minimum cannot be reached in individual cases. But it is not possible to reduce the figure since the necessary experience to achieve efficiency can only be obtained by sittings of this frequency.
§ Mr. Hardyasked the Attorney-General how many magistrates are currently serving in England and Wales; what was the average number of sittings per magistrate in 1982; and how the position compares with that in 1972.
§ The Solicitor-GeneralAt the date of the last count, 12 January 1983, 25,934 active justices were serving in England and Wales, including 3,648 in the Duchy of Lancaster. It is regretted that the average number of sittings per magistrate in 1972 and 1982 respectively is not known and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.
§ Mr. Hardyasked the Attorney-General what was the average number of sittings per magistrate during 1982 in each court in England and Wales.
§ The Solicitor-GeneralThere are 623 petty sessional divisions in England and Wales. Some divisions have more than one court. It is regretted that the average number of sittings per magistrate in each court could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.