§ Mr. DismoreTo ask the Minister of State, Lord Chancellor's Department what was the average age of a QC on appointment in each of the last five years. [72612]
§ Mr. HoonThe average age of a QC on appointment in each of the last five years is as follows:
Year Age 1994 43.8 1995 43.8 1996 43.9 1997 43.6 1998 43.5
§ Mr. DismoreTo ask the Minister of State, Lord Chancellor's Department if he will make a statement on the article inThe Lawyer magazine of 15 February 1999, indicating that the Bar Council is prepared to meet the cost of administration of the QC system. [72516]
§ Mr. HoonMy noble and learned Friend the Lord Chancellor has seen the article. He notes that, according to the article, the General Council of the Bar would like to see the costs of processing silk applications being recoverable from all silk applicants. He will continue to review the matter.
§ Mr. DismoreTo ask the Minister of State, Lord Chancellor's Department if he will(a) list the public inquiries conducted by (i) Government departments and (ii) local authorities over the last three years which were chaired by QCs, (b) list the name of the QC in each case and (c) indicate the fee paid to the QC for his or her services. [72515]
§ Mr. HoonThis information is not collected centrally and, therefore, my hon. Friend's question could not be answered without incurring disproportionate cost.
§ Mr. DismoreTo ask the Minister of State, Lord Chancellor's Department how many QCs have had that distinction withdrawn in each of the last 10 years; and in each case, for what reason. [72613]
§ Mr. HoonThere has been no occasion in the last ten years when my noble and learned Friend or his immediate predecessor has advised Her Majesty to revoke the award of Queen's Counsel.