§ Lord Stoddart of Swindonasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether, during or before 2001, a Minister committed them, by written or oral statement, to 220WA introduce legislation to eliminate any function of the Lord Chancellor or the complete abolition of that office; and, if so, on what date and occasions. [HL2073]
§ The Secretary of State for Constitutional Affairs and Lord Chancellor (Lord Falconer of Thoroton)The Government first announced their plan to abolish the office of Lord Chancellor in June 2003. In giving evidence to the Select Committee my predecessor indicated that he was ready to consult on the possibility of a judicial appointments commission.
I am not aware of any oral or written statement by the Government during or before 2001 on the abolition of the Lord Chancellor.