§ Mr. DismoreTo ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department if he will assess the recent report published in Commercial Lawyer on the recruitment and promotion of lawyers in relation to his policy on equal opportunities in the judicial system. [132823]
§ Mr. LockThe report concerns a survey of newly made partners in solicitors firms. The Lord Chancellor has made it clear on many occasions that he wishes to appoint judges from the widest possible field of candidates and, in particular, he encourages women and ethnic minority lawyers to apply. But he can only appoint from among those in the legal profession who are suitably qualified and who apply. Therefore the Government support the legal profession in the work it is doing to ensure that there are equal opportunities for all those who wish to pursue careers in the law.