§ Mr. DismoreTo ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department of the judicial vacancies filled since May 1997 in the(a) House of Lords, (b) Court of Appeal, (c) High Court and (d) Circuit Bench, how many were filled by (i) women, (ii) people from ethnic minorities and (iii) solicitors. [100417]
62WI am not aware of any extant statutory provisions which would disbar any person from holding the office of Lord Chancellor on the ground of his or her religious persuasion.
The Government do not propose to take any steps to change any existing law which governs the holding of the office of Lord Chancellor, or the carrying out of the functions of that office. Traditionally, it has not been regarded as appropriate for the Government to introduce legislation intended to facilitate the holding or performance of such office by individuals of particular religious persuasions.