§ Mr. Patrick Mayhewasked the Attorney-General what is the reason for the recently announced appointment of a senior counsel to the Treasury in the High Court; when such an appointment was last made, if ever; and what change 574W in the functions of the Law Officers at the Bar is envisaged in connection with the appointment.
The Attorney-GeneralI have appointed Mr. Gordon Slynn to be Leading Counsel to the Treasury. The effect of this is that the Crown will be able to instruct Mr. Slynn to advise when Leading Counsel's advice is needed. The Crown will also be able to instruct him to appear in court, in cases in which the services of Leading Counsel as well as Junior Counsel are required. Mr. Slynn will also be available for private work. There is no recent precedent for this appointment in England and Wales. No changes in the functions of the Law Officers are envisaged.