Clause 100 - Power to alter judicial titles: Northern Ireland
Courts Bill [Lords]
4:00 pm
Mr Nick Hawkins (Surrey Heath, Conservative)
I hear the hon. Gentleman talking about getting rid of the Lord Chancellor, but I went with the new Lord Chancellor, Lord Falconer, to Her Majesty the Queen's official opening of Tynwald, the Manx Parliament, yesterday, and it is clear that the present Lord Chancellor is thoroughly enjoying his role. He also enjoyed all the ceremonial that we saw at Tynwald. It is apparent that the Isle of Man is keeping all the traditions that the Government want to sweep away. Lord Falconer might reflect on that when he considers what his Government are doing. Who knows, the Government might have a change of policy if the present Lord Chancellor has his way.
On the sensitive subject of Northern Ireland, any changes in judicial titles should be made by the Prime Minister. That is a serious point, although it can be quickly debated.