Letter: Justice preserved

Sir: The Lord Chancellor has made it clear on numerous occasions that he values very highly the contribution made by the lay magistracy to the administration of justice.

As at 1 January 1992, there were in England and Wales 29,441 active lay justices. This compares to a total of 27,244 as at 1 January 1985.

Contrary to the view expressed by Mary Glanvill (letter, 12 August), the lay magistracy is, and will remain, a pivotal part of local justice.

Yours faithfully,

RICHARD GROBLER

Head

Magistrates Appointments

Division

Lord Chancellor's Department

London, SW1

13 August