HC Deb 11 February 1998 vol 306 cc252-3W
Mr. Gordon Prentice

To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department how many solicitor QCs have been appointed in each year since 1995; and what criteria are used to select them. [27835]

Mr. Hoon

In 1995 solicitors became eligible to apply for appointment as Queen's Counsel. In 1996 no solicitors were appointed. In 1997 two solicitors were appointed Queen's Counsel. The criteria used to select all applicants for appointment as Queen's Counsel are:

  1. (a) sound intellectual ability and a thorough, comprehensive and up-to-date knowledge of law and procedures in the fields in which they practice;
  2. (b) outstanding ability as an advocate, to a standard to be expected of Queen's Counsel in the applicant's field of practice;
  3. (c) total professional integrity;
  4. (d) the highest professional standing, having gained the respect of the Bench and the profession in observing the advocate's duty to the Court and to the administration of justice, while presenting their client's case and being formidable, fair and honourable as an opponent;
  5. (e) maturity of judgment and balance;
  6. (f) a high quality practice based on demanding cases which will allow the full measure of these qualities to be demonstrated;
  7. (g) the ability to maintain appropriate professional relationships with lay and professional clients.

Mr. Gordon Prentice

To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department how many honorary appointments as QCs have been made in each year since 1992; and what criteria are used to select them. [27836]

Mr. Hoon

Honorary silk is awarded on the personal recommendation of the Lord Chancellor after consultation within the judicial, professional and academic community. The criterion employed is exceptional distinction in the law outside the field of advocacy.

In the years 1999–1997, there were six, seven, four, three, six and eight appointments respectively. The names of those awarded honorary silk this year will be announced on Thursday 9 April.

Mr. Gordon Prentice

To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department how many solicitors applied for silk in each year since 1995; and what percentage were successful. [27834]

Mr. Hoon

Five solicitors applied for silk in 1995 and none were appointed in 1996 (zero per cent.). In 1996 six solicitors applied and two of them were appointed in 1997 (thirty three and a third per cent.). Seven solicitors applied in 1997 and the names of successful applicants will be announced on Thursday 9 April.

Mr. Gordon Prentice

To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department if he will make it his policy to interview candidates for silk. [27830]

Mr. Hoon

My noble and learned Friend has no plans to interview applicants for Queen's Counsel. Silk is primarily an award for forensic advocacy, and an interview would not be an appropriate test of this.