§ Mr. McNamaraTo ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department if the new Lord Chief Justice of Northern Ireland has ever been a member of a political party. [10289]
§ Mr. StreeterJudicial appointments are made on professional and personal merit. The Lord Chancellor does not require candidates for, or holders of, judicial office to declare their political affiliation.
§ Mr. McNamaraTo ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what procedures were followed in appointing the next Lord Chief Justice of Northern Ireland; in what ways the procedures differ from that for other United Kingdom jurisdictions; and when the appointment was announced. [10287]
§ Mr. StreeterThe Lord Chief Justice of Northern Ireland is appointed by the Queen on the advice of the Lord Chancellor. In England and Wales, the Lord Chief Justice is appointed by the Queen on the advice of the Prime Minister, as is the Lord President in Scotland. The appointment of the right hon. Sir Robert Carswell as Lord Chief Justice of Northern Ireland was announced on 29 November 1996, and took effect on 6 January 1997.
§ Mr. McNamaraTo ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department which(a) bodies and (b) individuals were consulted about the appointment of the new Lord Chief Justice of Northern Ireland. [10288]
§ Mr. StreeterIn making recommendations to the Queen in respect of senior judicial appointments, the Lord Chancellor has discretion to consult as he thinks fit, and such consultations are confidential.
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§ Mr. McNamaraTo ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department if the next Lord Chief Justice of Northern Ireland is or has been a member of(a) the Masonic Order, (b) the Orange Order and (c) other societies membership of which must be declared. [10545]
§ Mr. StreeterJudicial appointments are made on professional and personal merit. The Lord Chancellor does not require candidates for, or holders of, judicial office to declare membership of any lawful organisation.