§ Mr. LlwydTo ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department how many of Her Majesty's judges in England and Wales are able to speak and330W understand the Welsh language; and if he will make a statement. [18211]
§ Mr. HoonThere are a total of 37 of Her Majesty's judges in England and Wales who are understood to be able to speak and understand the Welsh language.
§ Mr. LlwydTo ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department how many people from ethnic minorities are currently appointed full-time judges in England and Wales. [18207]
§ Mr. HoonThe attached table sets out the figures for holders of full-time judicial office believed to be of ethnic minority origin. The figures are believed to be correct, but as the ethnic origin of candidates for judicial office was not sought before October 1991, the data may be incomplete.
Judicial office holders of ethnic minority origin as at 1 November 1997. Post Total Of ethnic minority origin—Black/Asian Of ethnic minority origin— other Total of ethnic minority origin High Court Judges 93 — — — Circuit Judges 552 4 2 6 District Judges 336 1 3 4 Stipendiary Magistrates 90 2 — 2 Chairmen of Industrial Tribunals (Full-time) 78 3 — 3 Full time Chairmen Social Security Appeals Tribunals 61 1 1 2