HC Deb 27 April 1999 vol 330 cc131-2W
39. Mr. Gordon Prentice

To ask the Minister of State, Lord Chancellor's Department what was the shortest time a barrister has spent in practice before being appointed a QC since 1969. [81031]

Mr. Hoon

According to available departmental records, the shortest period that has elapsed, since 1969, between the date to call to the Bar of England and Wales and the award of Queen's Counsel is six years. This applicant, however, had previously spent many years in practice in another jurisdiction.