§ Mr. Gordon PrenticeTo ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department if he will review the practice of wearing wigs in court so that solicitors with a right of audience and banisters are treated on an equal basis. [2995]
§ Mr. HoonThe LCD has no immediate plans to review the wearing of wigs in court. This issue was considered by the Department through consultation papers in 1992 and 1994. There was no consensus among all of those who responded about whether solicitors should be allowed to wear a wig in court although a majority wanted the wearing of wigs generally to be discontinued. The Lord Chancellor, having consulted with the Lord Chief Justice and the Heads of Division, concluded that the practice of wearing wigs should not be extended.