§ Mr. David Youngasked 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. BittenApproximately 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 Youngasked 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.
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§ Mr. BiffenMagistrates 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.