§ Lord Strathclydeasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether the Statement which the Lord Chancellor made on 26 January (HL Deb, col. 12) on constitutional reform and judicial independence 61WA reflects a compromise negotiated between Privy Counsellors on Privy Council terms and binding in honour on all those who gave it their assent; and whether it will be subject to alteration by Parliament if circumstances change. [HL1003]
§ The Secretary of State for Constitutional Affairs and Lord Chancellor (Lord Falconer of Thoroton)The Statement reflects proposals on constitutional reform agreed between the Lord Chief Justice of England and Wales and myself. Its purpose was to inform Parliament of the agreed proposed transfers and the rationale for the decisions, and provide an opportunity for debate and comments which will be considered before any final proposals are put forward in legislation. It will be for Parliament to consider that legislation.