§ Lord Palmerasked Her Majesty's Government:
How many counties in the United Kingdom are currently without a Lord Lieutenant, and whether in future, when a Lord Lieutenant retires, they will do their best to ensure an immediate succession. [HL2269]
§ The Minister of State, Cabinet Office (Lord Falconer of Thoroton)The County of Gwent and the Lieutenancies of Berwickshire, Lanarkshire and the Western Isles are currently without Lord Lieutenants. My right honourable friend the Prime Minister endeavours to submit names to Her Majesty the Queen in a timely fashion to avoid any interregnum. Delays can arise for a variety of reasons such as the death of a Lord Lieutenant or a resignation on grounds of ill-health.
§ Lord Palmerasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether a resident of a county of England could be appointed as Lord Lieutenant for a county in Scotland. [HL2270]
§ Lord Falconer of ThorotonThere is no statutory requirement in respect of a Lord Lieutenant's residence. Given the nature of a Lord Lieutenant's duties, it would be unlikely for a Lord Lieutenant to be appointed who did not have a residence in, or in very close proximity to, the Lieutenancy in question.
§ Lord Palmerasked Her Majesty's Government:
Why the County of Berwickshire is currently without a Lord Lieutenant and when they expect an appointment to be made. [HL2268]
30WA
§ Lord Falconer of ThorotonThe former Lord Lieutenant of Berwickshire, Major General Sir John Swinton, retired on 21 April on reaching 75. Work on the process of identifying a successor is well in hand. On this occasion staff changes in the Office of the Secretary of Commissions for Scotland regrettably contributed to the delay in the process.