§ Mr. DrewTo ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Department for Constitutional Affairs what measures he plans to reduce the age profile of magistrates benches, with specific reference to rural areas. [151776]
§ Mr. LeslieThe written ministerial statement made in this House on 6 November 2003,Official Report, columns 43–44WS, on the National Strategy for the Recruitment of Lay Magistrates announces the Secretary of State and Lord Chancellor's decision to remove the 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 National Strategy itself contains proposals
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Less than one week One to three weeks Four to six weeks Seven to 12 weeks 13 to 20 weeks 21 to 28 weeks Total employees 1997 633 249 38 52 45 0 1,017 1998 1,537 717 115 154 80 0 2,603 1999 2,868 1,198 170 198 122 0 4,556 2000 2,834 1,284 190 205 172 0 4,685 2001 2,746 1,359 222 249 185 0 4,761 2002 3,242 1,507 228 298 197 0 5,472 2003 2,402 1,057 139 139 52 0 3,789 to encourage younger people, including advertising in a range of media, local radio and cinemas. A bus advertising campaign began on 1 November 2003. As a direct result of this 2,283 inquiries have been received of which 1,224 (54 per cent.) were from those aged between 18–40. Advisory Committees in rural areas regularly review the make-up of their benches at the outset of their recruitment campaigns with the intention of attracting the right range of people, using their local knowledge and ideas developed through the National Strategy.