HC Deb 02 December 1985 vol 88 c2W
Mr. David Young

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what percentage of the Bolton magisterial panel is currently not in full-time employment; what percentage is unemployed; what percentage is retired; what percentage is of independent status or means; and if he will list the panel by occupation.

Mr. Tebbit

Of the Bolton magistrates' bench, 46 per cent. are not in full employment, three per cent. are unemployed, and 16 per cent. have retired. I have no means of knowing—and do not wish to have any means of knowing—which members of the bench are of independent means.

At the last review of the bench, the occupations were:

Number
Directors and professionals 49
Landowners and farmers 2
Wholesale and retail proprietors and managers 15
Managers in industry and commerce or service 16
Teachers, nurses and other medical, social and artistic workers 25
White collar workers 34
Industrial, agricultural and service workers 19
Total 160