HC Deb 16 February 1984 vol 54 c260W
Mr. Pawsey

asked the Attorney-General if the Lord Chancellor requires a person appointed to the magistracy to resign if subsequently he comes into a category disqualified from being appointed; if similar requirements apply to any relative who is already a magistrate; and if he will make a statement.

The Attorney-General

Paragraph 35, as amended, of the Lord Chancellor's directions to advisory committees provides that if a justice, or the spouse thereof, accepts an office which would have disqualified him from appointment initially, the fact should be reported to the Lord Chancellor who will decide whether the justice should be required to resign, be transferred to the supplemental list, or be allowed to remain an active justice.

Mr. Pawsey

asked the Attorney-General if he will list the circumstances in which a person is disqualified from, or otherwise regarded by the Lord Chancellor as unsuitable for appointment to the magistracy; whether relatives of the person are likewise excluded; and if he will make a statement.

The Attorney-General

The disqualifications for appointment as a justice of the peace are contained in paragraphs 31 and 32 of the directions for advisory committees, as amended, and amplified by a circular letter, copies of which I am placing in the Library.