Clause 4 - Appointment to most senior judicial offices
Justice (Northern Ireland) Bill
3:45 pm
Lady Lady Hermon (North Down, UUP)
Hon. Members will be pleased to know that I intend to be brief. All the amendments that I have tabled to clause 4 relate to the appointment of what are referred to in its title as the most senior judicial offices. Those are the most senior judicial offices in Northern Ireland. First, let us consider the appointment of the Lord Chief Justice and the Lord Justices of Appeal. The procedure under the clause is that the Prime Minister, before making a recommendation to Her Majesty, must consult the First Minister and Deputy First Minister. [Interruption.] I hear the Minister sigh.