asked the Lord Privy Seal how many magistrates appointments are made by the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster.

Since 1974 the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster has made 2,346 appointments to Benches in Lancashire, Greater Manchester and Merseyside.

In addition to appointing magistrates, does not the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster have a moral responsibility for the conditions in which the courts have to operate? Will my right hon. Friend convey to the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster the dismay that is felt by the members of the Stockport Bench over the delay in the Home Office in approving the site of the new court house?

I understand that the responsibility for that consideration rests with my right hon. and learned Friend the Home Secretary. I shall certainly convey to him my hon. Friend's sentiments.