§ Mr. McMasterTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will list the name, address and occupation and/or former occupation of each justice of the peace in Renfrew district; which wards are under-represented as a proportion of the total; when he next plans to make additional appointments; what criteria he will apply in making these appointments; what are the procedures for making nominations; and if he will make a statement.
§ Lord James Douglas-HamiltonAs for other commission areas in Scotland, my right hon. Friend is advised on the need for new appointments as justices of the peace for the commission area of Renfrew by the advisory committee on justices of the peace for that area, which also advises him on the personal suitability of candidates. Recommendations for consideration by the advisory 653W committee may be made on a form obtainable from the Secretary to the advisory committee. The criteria for appointment are, first, that candidates should be personally suitable in character, integrity and understanding; and, second only to this, that the area of selection is wide so that justices are broadly representative of all sections of the community which they serve. Advisory committees are required to have regard to the availability of justices to members of the public and to the requirements of the district court duty rota.
I shall write to the hon. Member as soon as possible about the detailed information which he has requested.