§ Mr. DismoreTo ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what discussions he had with the senior judiciary on 14 November concerning the issue of court dress; and if he will make a statement. [138770]
§ Mr. LockReform of court dress was raised by the Lord Chancellor at his meeting with the higher judiciary on 14 November. Given the many important reforms to the justice system which the Department is carrying forward, reform of court dress has no immediate priority.
§ Mr. DismoreTo ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department if he will review his policy concerning court dress when presiding in parliamentary debates. [139615]
§ Mr. LockAs my hon. Friend knows, the traditions, procedural rules and views of the House of Lords regarding the wearing of formal dress for its Speaker are different from those in the House of Commons. The Lord Chancellor took the initiative in making a number of changes to his formal dress in 1998, having consulted the relevant Committee of the House. The Lord Chancellor would consult in a similar manner if he has any proposals for change in the future, but has no present plans to put forward any such proposals.
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