HC Deb 13 January 1999 vol 323 cc229-30W
25. Fiona Mactaggart

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office if he will make a statement on the appointment of magistrates in the Duchy of Lancaster. [63746]

Dr. Jack Cunningham

I appoint magistrates in Lancashire, Greater Manchester and Merseyside in accordance with the Justices of the Peace Act 1997. I am assisted in this task by a number of Advisory Committees and Sub-Committees who are responsible for recruiting, interviewing and recommending suitable people to me for appointment as magistrates. Committees work to a set of Directions similar to those used by the Lord Chancellor's Advisory Committees in the remainder of England and Wales.