§ Mr. PatchettTo ask the Attorney-General what plans he has to equalise the number of women circuit judges, recorders and assistant recorders; and if he will make a statement.
§ The Attorney-GeneralThe Lord Chancellor has repeatedly made clear his wish to appoint more women to judicial office. Steps have been taken to make this widely known, and thus to encourage more suitably qualified women to put themselves forward for consideration. The composition of the bench at any one time is, however, dependent on the composition of the legal profession in the age groups with the necessary experience to be suitable. At the moment, there are relatively few women in the legal profession in the appropriate age groups with the right experience. It is expected that the number will increase significantly over the next 10 years, and that this will result in more women judges, recorders and assistant recorders.