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Richard Yorke
• There is every likelihood that Richard Yorke's 42nd birthday on July 13 will be marked by a memorable event. It is just possible that on that day he will be presenting • in the House of Lords the appeal against the Appeal Court's decision on the TGWU's accountability for its stewards. This will be the first appeal to the Lords in connection with the Industrial Relations Act.
Having watched Richard Yorke, before he took silk in 1971, appearing before Licensing Authorities on carriers' licence applications and objections it is difficult to imagine anyone more eminently suited for such an historic event. His meticulous choice of words, mastery of the English language and literature bring colour to orations which would otherwise be dull and unpalatable speeches. Indeed, it might be said of Richard Yorke that his court appearances display a degree of courage and the spirit of adventure. He was once described as the advocate who turned the black and white courtroom into glorious full colour.
Had he not started practising at the Bar in 1956 there is no saying where his many talents might have led him.
He won the prize of honour as the Army's best officer cadet in 1949 and then served in Germany as a second lieutenant in the Royal Artillery. Between 1950 and 1956 he was a captain in the Honourable Artillery Company — when his commanding officer was Ted Heath. It is no coincidence that until 1966 he canvassed the Bexley constituency for the Prime Minister at general elections.
Although Richard failed to capture Durham for the Tories in 1966 he is already casting his eyes about for a suitable constituency at the next General Election and I would imagine that distance is no object. He holds a pilot's licence and flies his own Piper Comanche from Biggin Hill. He drives a "fully stereophonic" Aston Martin, it is fitted with an eight track Radiomobile unit. His cassettes include all types of music from Beethoven to The Seekers. And if fast cars and fast planes were not enough his other interest is ocean racing — he has crewed for Sir Richard Sharpies, the present Governor of Bermuda.
Educated at Solihull School, he graduated with an honours' degree from Balliol College Oxford where he read Jurisprudence.
Although he specializes in many legal fields Richard Yorke has been involved very much in transport and was for a time assistant to the secretary of British Road Services. It is perhaps therefore fitting that a place in transport history, however small, should be reserved for him as the advocate who argued against the "Denning Decision" before the Lords. I. S.