§ Mr. ChisholmTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what is the role of the Lord Advocate in the appointment of a Court of Session judge; with whom he consults; and to whom he makes the recommendation. [32286]
§ Lord James Douglas-HamiltonJudges 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 occasion, other senior members of the legal profession and judiciary are also consulted by the Lord Advocate.