§ Mr. Evennettasked the Attorney-General how many judges, masters or registrars are (i) registered disabled or (ii) registered blind; and what steps the Lord Chancellor is taking to encourage the appointment of disabled or blind judges, masters and registrars.
§ The Attorney-GeneralNo records are kept of the number of registered disabled judges, masters or registrars. There are no registered blind judges, masters or registrars. No steps are taken either to encourage or to discourage such appointments. However, all judicial appointments are subject to the condition that the appointee must be physically capable of discharging judicial duties effectively.
§ Mr. Evennettasked the Attorney-General what action has been taken by the Lord Chancellor's Department to provide access to court buildings for the disabled and blind.
§ The Attorney-GeneralNew and adapted or reconditioned court buildings provide, to the maximum possible extent, all the facilities required for the disabled, including ramps and lifts as necessary. Other buildings have had722W improvements incorporated where this has been feasible. Court staff are always available to give assistance to disabled and blind court users.
§ Mr. Evennettasked the Attorney-General how many magistrates are (i) registered disabled and (ii) registered blind; and what steps are being taken by the Lord Chancellor to encourage the appointment of disabled or blind magistrates.
§ The Attorney-GeneralThe number of disabled magistrates so registered is not available. Provided that their disability does not interfere with the discharge of judicial duties, properly qualified persons have an equal chance of appointment. Unfortunately, the deaf and the blind are in practice disqualified, the deaf owing to their inability to hear oral evidence, the blind owing to their inability to study documents and plans and to observe the demeanour of witnesses.