HC Deb 23 July 1987 vol 120 c293W
Mr. Parry

asked the Attorney-General how many judges now on the Bench have previously retired.

The Attorney-General

Forty-eight judges who have previously retired as full-time members of the judiciary are authorised by the Lord Chancellor to sit part-time in the Supreme Court and county court as deputies, as required.

Mr. Parry

asked the Attorney-General if he will list the number of judges over the age of 70 years; and if he will make a statement.

The Attorney-General

By virtue of section 11 of the Supreme Court Act 1981 a judge of the Supreme Court is obliged to vacate his office at the age of 75. Fourteen judges of the Supreme Court are over the age of 70 out of a total complement of 102. By virtue of section 17 of the Courts Act 1971 a circuit judge is obliged to vacate his office at the end of the completed year of service in which he attains the age of 72 unless authorised by the Lord Chancellor in the public interest to continue in office until he attains the age of 75. Twenty-six circuit judges are over the age of 70 out of a total current complement of 389.