HL Deb 24 January 1978 vol 388 cc333-4WA
Baroness WOOTTON of ABINGER

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What are the exact terms of the oath sworn by (a) persons appointed to be magistrates; (b) persons entering on higher judicial office.

The LORD CHANCELLOR (Lord Elwyn-Jones)

Subject to the statutory provisions for the alternative of making affirmations, magistrates and judges are required under the provisions of the Promissory Oaths Act 1868 to take on appointment the oath of allegiance and the judicial oath. The terms of these oaths are as follows:

Oath of Allegiance I, [name] swear by Almighty God that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth the Second, her heirs and successors, according to law".

Judicial Oath I, [name] swear by Almighty God that I will well and truly serve our Sovereign Lady Queen Elizabeth the Second in the Office of [title of relevant judicial office], and I will do right to all manner of people after the laws and usages of this realm, without fear or favour, affection or illwill".

House adjourned at twenty-five minutes before six o'clock.