§ Mr. HoyleTo ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Department for Constitutional Affairs what advice the Lord Chancellor gives on the age of magistrates. [136914]
§ Mr. LeslieI would refer my hon. Friend to the written ministerial statement on 6 November 2003,Official Report, column 43WS concerning the Secretary of State and Lord Chancellors' National Strategy for the Recruitment of Lay Magistrates. That records the Secretary of State and Lord Chancellor's decision that there need be no lower age limit for applicants to the magistracy who can show that they have the key qualities needed for appointment. This is intended to help in achieving a more diverse and better-balanced bench. The upper age limit for recruitment of magistrates is 65. The training to serve as a magistrate