§ Mr. Alex CarlileTo ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what is the total number of lay magistrates in Wales; and if he will make a statement.
Mr. John M. TaylorThe latest figures available show that there are 2,129 lay magistrates in Wales—930 women and 1,199 men. There are also two stipendiary magistrates in post and another authorised post to be filled. The Lord Chancellor's advisory committees in Wales advise him on the need for new lay magistrates and recommend suitable candidates to him for appointment. The objective is that each bench should broadly reflect the community it serves.
§ Mr. Alex CarlileTo ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department how many of the magistrates in Wales have a declared affiliation with a political party; if he will list the numbers who identify themselves with each party; and if he will make a statement.
Mr. John M. TaylorThis information could be provided only at disproportionate cost. When making recommendations for appointment the Lord Chancellor expects his advisory committees to put forward suitable candidates who broadly reflect the community which they will serve. In deciding which suitable candidates to recommend he expects them to take into account political affiliation, or the lack of it, as well as other factors such as gender, geography and occupation.