§ 37. Mr. Peter BradleyTo ask the Minister of State, Lord Chancellor's Department how many magistrates have been suspended or dismissed in each of the last five years; and if he will provide a breakdown of the main reasons. [65865]
§ Mr. HoonThe number of magistrates removed from office by the Lord Chancellor in each of the last five years is as follows:
- 1994: 4
- 1995: 1
- 1996: 3
- 1997: 13
- 1998: 11.
The main reasons for removal were:
10 magistrates moved or emigrated and failed to notify the Clerk or resign;10 magistrates were found to have conducted themselves improperly;9 magistrates were convicted of criminal offences or had orders made against them in the civil courts.No magistrates have been suspended by the Lord Chancellor in the last five years, although some have been required to refrain from sitting pending inquiry.