§ Mr. DismoreTo ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department for what reason the40W number of QCs appointed in each of the last 10 years has remained broadly the same; and if he will make a statement. [138619]
§ Mr. LockThe number of appointments in recent years has ranged from 60 to 78. The number appointed in each year merely reflects the number of applicants who meet the criteria to the required degree.
The number appointed in each year shows little correlation with the number of applicants. The number of applicants in recent years has varied little (from 472 to 553), and the success rate of those applicants has varied from less than 12 per cent. to more than 15½ per cent.