Legal Services Bill [HL]

First, I apologise for missing the first few moments of the speech of the noble Lord, Lord Thomas of Gresford, on the amendment. I entirely support his reasons for wanting an amendment here. The independence of the Legal Services Board is very important, and that independence depends on who makes the appointments and who is in a position to sack the members. My preference would be, however, unlike on Amendments Nos. 1 and 2, for Amendments Nos. 5 and 7— "““the concurrence of the Lord Chief Justice””—" rather than what is being argued for by the noble Lord, Lord Thomas; but provided it is done one way or the other I would be happy.