HC Deb 04 April 2001 vol 366 cc207-8W
Mr. Grieve

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what restrictions there are on his powers to appoint in Scotland chairmen and part-time chairmen of employment tribunals to Scottish advocates or solicitors only. [156792]

Mr. Alan Johnson

[holding answer 3 April 2001]: Under regulations made by my Department, the appointment of chairmen and part-time chairmen of employment tribunals in Scotland is the responsibility of the Lord President of the Court of Session. The regulations stipulate that appointees must be advocates or solicitors of not less than seven years standing.

Mr. Grieve

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry for what period of office part-time chairmen of employment tribunals in Scotland are appointed; on what grounds such part-time chairmen may be removed from office; and what the procedures are for effecting such removal from office. [156791]

Mr. Alan Johnson

[holding answer 3 April 2001]: Part-time chairmen of employment tribunals in Scotland are appointed for a term of five years, which is renewable. It would be for the Lord President of the Court of Session to consider whether any part-time chairman should be removed from office. In considering the case for a removal, he would be guided by the model rules of procedure on these matters as published by the Lord Chancellor last year. The procedure to be followed would be a matter for the Lord President in the light of his consideration of the circumstances of each case.