Written question asked by Lord Beith (Liberal Democrat) on Wednesday, 28 November 2007, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 3 December 2007. It was answered by Lord Wills (Labour) on Friday, 25 January 2008 on behalf of the Ministry of Justice.

High Sheriffs

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, if he will list those counties in which the names on the most recent list of nominations for the position of High Sheriff were chosen (a) following open advertisement and (b) by a selection committee or board where membership is published.

Answer: None of the names on the most recent list of nominations for the position of High Sheriff were chosen following open advertisement, or by a selection committee or board, where membership is published. The arrangements for seeking nominees are a matter for individual counties. It is the responsibility of High Sheriffs in office to provide the names of people suitable to serve in the future. With the help of local selection panels, they should cast the net as widely as possible and consider candidates from a wide variety of backgrounds.

Secondary information