HC Deb 11 November 1997 vol 300 c501W
Mr. McDonnell

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations the United Kingdom Government have made on the Swedish Government's failure to nominate Judge Briton Sundberg-Weitman for appointment to the European Court of Justice. [15281]

Mr. Doug Henderson

None.

Mr. McDonnell

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will seek a review of the procedure for the appointment of judges to the European Court of Justice to ensure appointments are made on the basis of competence and do not discriminate against women and ethnic minorities. [15282]

Mr. Doug Henderson

No. Appointments to the European Court of Justice are made in accordance with Article 167 of the Treaty establishing the European Community, which states thatThe Judges and Advocates-General shall be chosen from persons whose independence is beyond doubt and who possess the highest judicial offices in their respective countries or who are jurisconsults of recognized competence; they shall be appointed by common accord of the governments of the Member States for a term of six years.

So far as UK appointments are concerned, our policy is to nominate the best qualified candidate, regardless of ethnic origin, gender, marital status, sexual orientation, political affiliation or, subject to the physical requirements of the office, disability.