HL Deb 16 July 1996 vol 574 c60WA
Lord McCluskey

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they will set out the system for the appointment of judges to the bench of the Supreme Court of Scotland, and confirm that this system was followed in the most recent appointment of a new Senator of the College of Justice, reported in the Herald on 2nd July 1996.

The Earl of Lindsay

Judges are appointed by the Queen on the recommendation of the Secretary of State for Scotland. Because the Secretary of State does not normally have personal knowledge of suitable nominees, he relies on the Lord Advocate, who submits names to him for his consideration. The current practice is for the lord Advocate always to consult the Lord President of the Court of Session and the Dean of the Faculty of Advocates, before putting forward any nomination. On occasions, other senior members of the legal profession and judiciary are also consulted by the Lord Advocate. This system was followed in the most recent appointment announced on 2nd July.