§ Mr. McNamaraTo ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department (1) if the Lord Chief Justice of Northern Ireland has expressed his views about the Criminal Justice Review Group's recommendations on judicial appointments; [144664]
(2) if the Lord Chief Justice of Northern Ireland has expressed his views about the merit of recommendations made by the Criminal Justice Review Group. [144665]
§ Mr. LockThe Lord Chief Justice of Northern Ireland did express views on the recommendations of the Criminal Justice Review Group. It is usual policy that views expressed by individuals in consultation exercises are treated in confidence, unless the individual wishes otherwise.
§ Mr. McNamaraTo ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department (1) if the Lord Chief Justice of Northern Ireland has communicated with members of the Criminal Justice Review Group; [144663]
(2) if the Lord Chief Justice of Northern Ireland responded to the request for consultation made by the Criminal Justice Review Group. [144662]
§ Mr. LockI can confirm that the Lord Chief Justice of Northern Ireland responded to the Criminal Justice Review Group's consultations and met members of the Group as part of its consultation exercise.