§ Lord Tebbitasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they have reason to call into question the competence, integrity or industry of any judges appointed since 1 May 1997. [HL4204]
§ The Lord ChancellorAs I have stated in the foreword to the consultation paperConstitutional Reform: a new way of appointing judges, England and Wales are well served by judges of the highest calibre. At all levels of our justice system we are fortunate to have a strong independent judiciary respected nationally and internationally. This of course applies to the judiciary in Scotland and Northern Ireland as well as in England and Wales. The proposals which the Government have announced do not stem from any doubts about the competence, integrity or industry of the judiciary, whether appointed before or since 1 May 1997.
§ Lord Tebbitasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they have concerns about the ability of any judges to achieve impartiality and fairness in trials involving members of the ethnic minorities or those living unorthodox lifestyles. [HL4205]
§ The Lord ChancellorThe Government are satisfied that judges deal impartially and fairly with trials, irrespective of the background of any of the people involved in the proceedings.
2WA
§ Lord Tebbitasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether it has been their policy to appoint as judges those whom they regarded as the most able and suitable for such office. [HL4206]
§ The Lord ChancellorThe overriding principle is, and has been, that judges are appointed on merit and that those appointed are the most able and suitable.