§ 38. Mr. Whitakerasked the Attorney-General whether he will give an assurance that, in future, suitably highly quali- 1340 fled solicitors will be eligible and considered for appointment to the Bench.
§ The Attorney-GeneralMy noble and learned friend the Lord Chancellor already considers solicitors for appointments for which they have the necessary statutory qualifications, but I can give no undertaking that legislation will be introduced to make solicitors eligible for all judicial appointments.
§ Mr. WhitakerIs my right hon. and learned Friend satisfied that legal quality, irrespective of demarcation, is the sole criterion? Could he tell us how many qualified solicitors have been appointed to the Bench recently?
§ The Attorney-GeneralWhen my hon. Friend refers to the Bench I do not know what kind he is referring to. One solicitor was appointed to the Metropolitan Bench earlier this year, and solicitors are qualified to become chairmen or deputy-chairmen of quarter sessions. I agree that the test is quality and ability, and at the moment the Bar has an abundance of both.
§ Mr. George JegerWould my right hon. and learned Friend assure us that no solicitor will be appointed to a Bench in the area in which his firm practises?
§ The Attorney-GeneralI am not sure about that. I would rather like notice of that question.