§ Mr. HoyleTo ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office if she will make a statement on the appointment of magistrates in Lancashire. [139201]
§ Mr. StringerIn her absence, my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster has asked me to reply. When considering magisterial appointments in Lancashire she is advised by the Lancashire Advisory Committee on Justices of the Peace which has five Sub-Committees covering the 10 Benches in the county. The procedures on magisterial appointments used by the Duchy Office are substantially the same as those used by the Lord Chancellor's Department for the remainder of the country. Regular quarterly meetings between the Duchy Office and the Lord Chancellor's Department will ensure continued close working on magisterial issues.