§ Mr. D. E. Thomasasked the Attorney-General in how many cases since May 1979 the Lord Chancellor has not renewed the appointments of recorders at the Crown court, willing to continue to serve as such, on the grounds of alleged incompetence.
§ The Attorney-GeneralThe figures from 1979 are not immediately available. Since 1 January 1981 the appointments of 27 recorders have expired and not been extended. In some of the cases, the recorders had reached the age limit of 72. In some others, the Lord Chancellor was not satisfied of their continuing fitness or suitability to be recorders.