Magistrates

HC Deb 23 February 1994 vol 238 cc254-5W

Mr. Meacher

To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster if he will set out what information he has on the political allegiance of the members of the magistrates bench in (i) Oldham, (ii) Rochdale and (iii) Manchester.

Mr. Waldegrave

Candidates are asked to give their political allegiance when they apply to become magistrates. Figures available for the three benches are:

	Numbers
Oldham
Conservative	70
Labour	46

	Numbers
Liberal Democrat	34
Independent/Not Known	55
Rochdale
Conservative	31
Labour	41
Liberal Democrat	36
Independent/Not Known	21
Manchester
Conservative	119
Labour	113
Liberal Democrat	62
Independent/Not Known	88