HC Deb 11 May 1966 vol 728 cc396-7
37. Mr. Stratton Mills

asked the Attorney-General if he will make a statement on the range of cases in which he appears personally as a Law Officer.

The Attorney-General

Whether a Law Officer appears personally in any case is a matter for my judgment. The paramount consideration is the public importance of the case.

Mr. Stratton Mills

While thanking the Attorney-General for that Answer, may I ask whether he would consider reviewing the range of cases in which the Attorney-General and the Solicitor-General appear, particularly having regard to their additional and heavy duties in Parliament and particularly their duties in law reform?

The Attorney-General

All these factors are taken into account when my hon. and learned Friend and I decide what cases we should personally undertake.

Sir P. Rawlinson

Will the Attorney-General tell the House whether the absence of a Minister without Portfolio now to answer Questions about law reform matters will make any difference at all to the burden of the Law Officers?

The Attorney-General

I think it will add something to the burden, but we shall do our best to cope.