HC Deb 19 July 1978 vol 954 cc534-5
34. Mr. Canavan

asked the Lord Advocate whether he is satisfied with the system of appointing people to public positions in the Crown Office.

The Lord Advocate

I have no reason to be dissatisfied with the arrangements for appointments to positions in the Crown Office.

Mr. Canavan

As this may be the last Scottish Question time before my right hon. and learned Friend retires, may I wish him every success for the future and hope that he does not follow the Tory precedent of appointing himself to the Bench? Does he agree that one of the most cogent reasons for voting Labour—if people are concerned about the future of law and order in Scotland—is to ensure that the post of Lord Advocate does not go to someone like the hon. and learned Member for Kinross and West Perthshire (Mr. Fairbairn)?

The Lord Advocate

My hon. Friend has raised a number of issues which quite properly should be put down as separate Questions.

Lord James Douglas-Hamilton

Is the right hon. and learned Gentleman aware that the last Lord Advocate most certainly did not appoint himself to the Bench?

The Lord Advocate

The hon. Gentleman is right. The appointments are made by Her Majesty.