§ Mr. Gordon PrenticeTo ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department why applicants for the magistrates bench are invited to disclose their political leanings or affiliations.
Mr. John M. TaylorI refer the hon. Member to a reply given to a question from the hon. Member for Don Valley (Mr. Redmond) on 17 March at column.758.
§ Mr. Gordon PrenticeTo ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what steps he is272W taking to ensure the political affiliations of the magistrates bench more closely reflect the views of the population in the areas in which they sit.
Mr. John M. TaylorThe Lord Chancellor, with his advisory committees, seeks to encourage applications from suitable people of all walks of life and political affiliations through press notices and articles, posters and leaflets and contact with employers and other organisations. Appointments are made from those considered to be suitable having proper regard to the various balancing factors such as age, gender and political affiliation so that each bench broadly reflects the community it serves. Appointments can, however, be made only from those who put themselves forward for consideration.