HC Deb 06 February 1998 vol 305 c840W
Mr. Ruane

To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department if he will list the political profile of magistrates benches in England. [26846]

Mr. Hoon

On the latest information available, the political profiles of benches in England, listed under Commissions of the Peace, is shown in a table placed in the Library. The figures do not include those areas for which the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster has responsibility. In many instances, the recorded political allegiance of magistrates will be that declared during the appointment process and may not, necessarily, reflect present views.