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Proceeding contribution from David Heath (Liberal Democrat) in the House of Commons on Wednesday, 4 November 2009. It occurred during Debate on bill and Committee of the Whole House (HC) on Constitutional Reform and Governance Bill.


Constitutional Reform and Governance Bill

I have a couple of very brief questions about clause 36. They also relate to Government new clause 23, which is a very similar provision relating to Northern Ireland. I therefore hope, Sir Michael, that it will not disturb our proceedings too greatly if we do not repeat these questions later. First, why have the specific offices mentioned in the clause been chosen? Do any similar offices exist for which the Government have not felt it necessary to provide this protection? Secondly, what is the position of the lay members of tribunals? Chairmen have salaried posts, but do lay members have the same protection? I was approached over the summer by a lay member of an employment tribunal who was extremely concerned that there appeared to be arbitrary changes in what he was expected to do as a tribunal member, the conditions under which he was expected to work and the remuneration that he could expect in terms of appropriate expenses. To what extent does the protection offered to what are quasi-judicial tribunal appointments extend to the lay members who sit alongside them? Lay members provide a very important resource to the country in helping to arbitrate sometimes extremely difficult issues.


Secondary information

Type
Proceeding contribution
Reference
498 c888 
Session
2008-09
Chamber / Committee
House of Commons chamber
Subjects
Devolved matters Audit Costs Court of Appeal Legal profession Human rights Judiciary Expenditure Legislative competence Judicial Appointments Commission for England and Wales Medical examinations Northern Ireland Pay Public appointments National Assembly for Wales Public expenditure Ministers Limitation of actions National Audit Office Scotland Tribunals Supreme Court Resignations Auditor General for Wales Lord Justices of Appeal
Legislation
Constitutional Reform and Governance Bill 2008-09 to 2009-10
Link
View this Proceeding contribution on www.publications.parliament.uk