HL Deb 12 February 2003 vol 644 c121WA
Lord Lester of Herne Hill

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Which Minister of the Crown is at present directly and personally answerable to Parliament for the appointment of Queen's Counsel in Scotland. [HL1433]

The Lord Chancellor

The provision of legal services in Scotland, which includes the appointment of Queen's Counsel, is a devolved matter within the responsibility of the Scottish Parliament. The First Minister of the Scottish Executive makes recommendations annually to Her Majesty the Queen about which advocates in Scotland she should appoint as Queen's Counsel. These recommendations are made after detailed discussion with the Lord President of the Court of Session, who has himself consulted all sectors of the legal profession in that jurisdiction.