§ The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Constitutional Affairs (Mr. Christopher Leslie)The judicial appointments annual report, covering the period 1 April 2002 to 31 March 2003, is published today. This year's report shows that
Six hundred and ninety seven appointments were made in 2002–03 from 3,449 applications.Appointments of minority ethnic candidates rose from 7.8 per cent. in 2001–02 to 8.9 per cent. (this includes lay appointments) and is more than double the 1999–2000 figure which was 4.2 per cent.Women accounted for 31 per cent. of appointments and although this was a decrease of 3 per cent. compared with 2001–02, the figure remains significantly higher than it was five years ago when the first report was published.The pilot Assessment Centre in October/November for the Deputy District Judge (Civil and Magistrates) competitions and the Deputy Queen's Bench Master competition was a success. The Commissioner for Judicial Appointments' audit of the pilot was very positive.The report also explains other recent action on equal opportunities.
Copies of the report have been placed in the Libraries of both Houses. The report is also available on the Department's website at http://www.dca.gov.uk./