HL Deb 23 February 2000 vol 610 cc33-4WA
The Countess of Mar

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether Mrs Annie Anderson, while a member of the interviewing panel for the posts of Vice-Presidents of the Immigration Appeal Tribunal during November 1999, was herself a candidate for appointment as a non-legal member of the same tribunal; and, if she was, whether this was appropriate and ethical. [HL1001]

The Lord Chancellor

Mrs Anderson was a member of the panel interviewing candidates for the posts of Vice-Presidents of the Immigration Appeal Tribunal on 1 November 1999. She was herself interviewed on 17 November for the post of lay member of the same tribunal. Although it was on the same tribunal, the post for which Mrs Anderson applied was different from that for which she had been a member of the interviewing panel. As with all appointments for which I am responsible, Mrs Anderson's application was considered on merit against the criteria for the post concerned. No other factors applied. The general question of whether lay interviewers should apply for or hold judicial posts is a matter currently being considered by my department.