To ask the Prime Minister whether the Secretary of State for Constitutional Affairs is barred from returning to legal practice on leaving office due to his holding the office of Lord Chancellor; and if he will make a statement on the circumstances in which a former Lord Chancellor may return to legal practice. [120021]

As the Secretary of State for Constitutional Affairs holds the office of Lord Chancellor for the transitional period, then the convention by which former Lord Chancellors cannot resume legal practice will apply to my right hon. and noble Friend. The rules, set out in the Ministerial Code, relating to the acceptance of appointments after leaving ministerial office, also apply.