§ Helen JonesTo ask the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department for Constitutional Affairs what progress has been made in recruiting more people from the most deprived areas of Warrington North to the magistracy; and if he will make a statement. [130928]
§ Mr. LeslieThe Cheshire Advisory Committee is responsible for the recruitment of lay magistrates in Warrington. It has been working for some time on increasing awareness across all local communities of the opportunities for individuals to apply to become JPs. Recruitment in North Cheshire which includes Warrington North has been a particular difficulty therefore priority has been given to this area.
The Committee is in the middle of a recruiting process that ends on 30 November. I will be in a position to write to my hon. Friend once recruitment has finished with final evidence of progress.
Some recent initiatives include advertising in a Match-Day Programme for Warrington Rugby League Football Club and having a stand at the local Asda Superstore. There have been press releases and local radio coverage. Recruitment literature has been sent to local political party constituency offices and to the Council for Voluntary Service, and links are being maintained with the local Council for Racial Equality.