§ Mr. David NicholsonTo ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department when the present Official Solicitor commenced his appointment; by what mechanism the appointment is(a) made and (b) terminated; and what is the official address of the post. [40702]
Mr. John M. TaylorThe present Official Solicitor commenced his appointment on 1 August 1993, following an open competition. The appointment is statutory and is made by the Lord Chancellor under section 90 of the Supreme Court Act 1981. Under the provisions of the 1981 Act, as amended by the Courts and Legal Services Act 1990, the postholder has tenure until the completed year of service in which he or she attains the age of 62. In addition, the 1981 Act provides that the Lord Chancellor may remove the appointee from office on account of misbehaviour or on account of inability to perform the duties of the office. The official address of the post is:
- The Official Solicitor to the Supreme Court
- Official Solicitor's Department
- 81 Chancery Lane
- London WC2 1DD