Constitutional Reform Bill [HL]

Part of the debate – in the House of Lords at 3:24 pm on 8 March 2004.

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Photo of Lord Kingsland Lord Kingsland Conservative 3:24, 8 March 2004

My Lords, this Bill has confirmed our worst suspicions about the Government's constitutional intentions. I will touch on only three of our more serious concerns because I want to say something as well about the amendment tabled by the noble and learned Lord, Lord Lloyd of Berwick.

First, Clause 51 deals with the issue of merit. I am pleased to say that Clause 51(3) states:

"Selection must be on merit".

So far so good. But Clause 51(4) states:

"After consulting the Lord Chief Justice, the Minister may by order specify considerations that are to be taken into account in assessing merit for the purposes of the section".

Merit is the cornerstone of the system of judicial selection.