asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is the current number of stipendiary magistrates; and what plans he has to increase the number.

Outside London, there are 11 stipendiary magistrates. My right hon. Friend has no power to increase their number, except on a petition from the local authority concerned. Any increase in the number of metropolitan stipendiary magistrates, of whom there are now 38, is a matter for consideration by my noble Friend the Lord Chancellor.