Crime and Courts Bill [HL]

Debate between Baroness Prashar and Lord McNally

Wednesday 27th June 2012 Lords Chamber

[Lord McNally]

We will all read Hansard. Come on.

[Baroness Prashar]

I do not want to go into detail but, as the noble Lord knows, I had the privilege of being involved in some of these selection processes. When a selection panel is set up, there is a proper, transparent way of consulting at the appropriate time. There were no nudges and nods. In my initial submission, I said that I think that the present system works because, if there is a rejection or a reconsideration, it focuses the mind and is done in an open way. It is the inability of the people to be discreet that muddies the water. It is a most gossip-ridden world. In other worlds, when appointments are made, people respect confidentiality. However, the process was very open and transparent. Therefore, there is no question of nudges and nods.

[Lord McNally]

If it is such a gossip-ridden world, the better it would be to have the Lord Chancellor fully and transparently in the process. I am afraid that all that one can say is that strong opinions are held.

--- Later in debate ---

[Lord McNally]

I saw her shifting slightly and thought she was going to volunteer to come back to the job.

[Baroness Prashar]

I thank the Minister for giving way. I now want to turn to another point on which I and the noble Baroness, Lady Jay, asked a question. The provision states that the Lord Chancellor “may” sit on the panel. If that is the case, on what basis will he decide to sit on the panel? If he decides to do so, will that not send a different signal? Will it not suggest that there is a reason why he wants to sit on the panel or a reason why he decides not to do so? I think that that will create an unhelpful perception.

Legislation

Debate between Baroness Prashar and Lord McNally

Thursday 10th November 2011 Lords Chamber

[Lord McNally]

I think that it is the turn of the Cross Benches—the noble Baroness, Lady Prashar.

[Baroness Prashar]

My Lords, does the Minister agree that it is desirable to have an automatic review of legislation after three to five years, to measure its effectiveness?

Justice: Judicial Appointments

Debate between Baroness Prashar and Lord McNally

Thursday 17th March 2011 Lords Chamber

[Lord McNally]

My Lords, I understand that there are two imminent vacancies to the Supreme Court. I am sure that everyone will be watching as to what happens with those appointments. The noble Baroness touches on another point. The professions themselves— the Bar, the Bar Council, the Law Society and their members—should show leadership in encouraging more women into the legal profession.

[Baroness Prashar]

My Lords, does the Minister agree that the establishment of the Judicial Appointments Commission acted like a litmus paper in highlighting the barriers which impede progress in this area? Does he further agree that more concerted action is needed by the Ministry of Justice, the judiciary and the professions in order to make a difference?

[Lord McNally]

I most certainly agree with the noble Baroness and I pay tribute to her contribution to making the Judicial Appointments Commission so valuable. I recently met the new chairman, Mr Christopher Stephens. As well as many other attributes, he is the son of a former Clerk of the Parliaments, which should reassure this House.

Human Rights: Spending Cuts

Debate between Baroness Prashar and Lord McNally

Thursday 7th October 2010 Lords Chamber

[Lord McNally]

My Lords, I know that there are supporters on all Benches of this House for the idea of a written constitution. However, I remember when my old friend Lord Peart occupied these Benches and got questions like that. He used to say, “Not next week”.

[Baroness Prashar]

My Lords, would the Minister agree that human rights have a practical role to play in an era of austerity? Looking at expenditure cuts through the lens of human rights would save us from damaging services for the most vulnerable. If he agrees, what steps are being taken now to ensure that this is happening?

[Lord McNally]

My Lords, I agree entirely that human rights are not a matter to be judged by expenditure cuts. What we can do—and I think that this is already taking place in all departments—is to ensure that, when the inevitable cuts take place, they are tested against protecting human rights, with a strong emphasis on protecting the rights of the most vulnerable.