§ Mr. J. McKayasked the Attorney-General whether he will take steps to ensure that the judicial status of the Pensions Appeal Tribunals is properly understood by the public.
§ The Attorney-GeneralI am glad of this opportunity of doing what I can to correct any erroneous impression which may have gained currency about the nature of Pensions Appeal Tribunals. The Pensions Appeal Tribunals are appointed by the Lord Chancellor and not by the Minister of Pensions, of whom they are entirely independent. They are judicial, as opposed to administrative, tribunals, and have, therefore, the status of courts of law, appeal from them going direct to the High Court. For example, any contempt of the tribunals would be punishable by the High Court, which has an inherent jurisdiction to protect an inferior court from unlawful attacks. In addition to the appointment of the members, the Lord Chancellor is solely responsible for the administration of these tribunals