§ Mr. FraserTo ask the Attorney-General what proposals the Government have to increase the number of solicitors appointed to the judiciary.
§ The Solicitor-GeneralThe Lord Chancellor has made clear on a number of occasions his wish to see more solicitors appointed to judicial office. "Legal Services: A Framework for the Future" (Cm. 740) published on 19 July sets out the Government's proposals for extending eligibility for higher judicial office to solicitors. In addition, pilot schemes have been set up in certain parts of the country with the specific aim of identifying solicitors suitable for appointment, and, as part of the regular programme of reviews of candidates for judicial appointment, a special initiative has been taken to consult the judiciary about solicitor candidates on the south eastern circuit. It is hoped to extend this initiative to the other circuits shortly.