HC Deb 09 July 1984 vol 63 cc367-8W
Mr. David Young

asked the Lord Privy Seal what proportion of the panel of magistrates in Bolton are not employed in a job which involves an average working day.

Mr. Bitten

Approximately 40 per cent. of Bolton magistrates are not in full-time employment. They consist for the most part of people working part-time, married women and retired persons.

Mr. David Young

asked the Lord Privy Seal what action the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster has taken to ensure that the magistracy panel for Bolton represents the working community as well as those who have free time.

Mr. Biffen

Magistrates perform a judicial function, and they are selected on the basis of their personal qualities and qualifications for appointment. In the case of the Bolton bench, nearly two-thirds of the magistrates are either in full-time or part-time employment or occupation.