§ 28. Mr. LidingtonTo ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what plans he has to change arrangements for the selection and appointment of judges. [3113]
§ The Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department (Mr. Geoffrey Hoon)The Government propose to consult later this year on the merits of a judicial appointments commission and whether one should be established.
§ Mr. LidingtonSince the Government's proposal to incorporate the European convention on human rights in domestic law will inevitably bring the judiciary into taking decisions that were hitherto regarded as political, will the Minister consider seriously whether senior judicial appointments should be made subject to a parliamentary confirmation process, perhaps involving a Select Committee hearing?
§ Mr. HoonThat suggestion may be usefully received by those responsible for considering the Government's various proposals, but I emphasise that, above all else, the Government are committed to preserving the independence of the judiciary. We must ensure that our appointments system is based on selection on merit.