§ Mrs. RocheTo ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department whether his Department applies any restrictions based on physical, sensory or mental impairments in the appointment of(a) justices of the peace. (b) coroners and (c) judges.
Mr. John M. TaylorIn the appointment of judges and magistrates, the Lord Chancellor must be satisfied in the public interest that a candidate has the necessary physical and mental abilities to carry out the full range of duties of the post and any individual candidate is considered on his or her merits in the light of their particular circumstances. I understand from my right hon. and learned Friend the Secretary of State for the Home Department that coroners are appointed by local authorities in accordance with qualifications laid down in the Coroners Act 1988, as amended by the Courts and Legal Services Act 1990.