§ Mr. John MarshallTo ask the Attorney-General what plans the Government have for changes in the pension arrangements for judges.
§ The Attorney-GeneralLast December, the Government issued a consultation paper proposing a number of changes to the judicial pension schemes. In the light of the responses to that paper, we have now decided to bring forward legislation at a convenient opportunity to establish a revised, unified pension scheme, which will apply to salaried judicial officers throughout the United Kingdom. My noble and learned Friend the Lord Chancellor has today written to the Lord Chief Justice with details of the proposed revised scheme and copies of that letter are being sent to all those in England, Wales and Northern Ireland who submitted comments on the consultation paper. A copy is also being placed in the Libraries of both Houses. The Secretary of State for Scotland is writing similarly to the Lord President of the Court of Session, and copies of his letter will be sent to all those in Scotland who commented on the consultation paper.