HC Deb 31 October 1996 vol 284 c222W
Mr. Gordon Prentice

To ask the Lord President of the Council what criteria are used to select individuals for membership of the Privy Council. [903]

Mr. Newton

Appointment to the Privy Council is an exercise of the prerogative. Appointments are made by Her Majesty the Queen on the advice of my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister. A range of factors are taken into account. Those appointed mostly comprise Ministers, other parliamentarians and members of the judiciary.