HC Deb 01 May 1940 vol 360 cc703-4
37. Mr. Liddall

asked the Attorney-General whether he is aware that on 8th April another solicitor was struck off the Rolls for theft of money belonging to a deceased client; and that on 12th April another solicitor was sentenced at the Central Criminal Court to 12 months' imprisonment for forging a deed with intent to defraud; and will he therefore, even if fees will not cover expenses, open a Public Trustee branch office on the North-East coast and extend the area of compulsory registration under the Land Registry so as to protect the public against further frauds by solicitors?

The Solicitor-General (Sir Terence O'Connor)

I cannot add anything further to what I indicated to the hon. Gentleman on 2nd April, 1940, except to say that it is not proposed to open any new Public Trustee offices in the provinces, and that it is not considered practically possible to extend the area of compulsory registration at the present time.

Rear-Admiral Beamish

Will my hon. and learned Friend urge the Law Society to proceed with their Private Bill, which has for its object the protection of an honourable profession and trustful citizens alike?

The Solicitor-General

My hon. and gallant Friend may have noticed with satisfaction that the First Reading of a Bill to deal with the matter was taken in another place yesterday.

Sir H. Williams

Will facilities be given by the Government in this House to secure the passage of that Bill at the earliest possible date?

The Solicitor-General

That depends on public business for which I am not responsible, but, so far as we are concerned, we shall put no obstacle in the way.

Mr. Logan

Has the hon. Gentleman considered the advisability of sending these gentlemen to a Borstal school?