HC Deb 13 March 1940 vol 358 cc1207-8W
Rear-Admiral Beamish

asked the Attorney-General whether he has seen that at Hampshire assizes, on 6th March, another solicitor was sentenced to penal servitude for fraudulent conversion alleged to relate to £74,000 belonging to 253 clients of his firm; and will he insert, in postage-stamp books and other suitable Government publications and the Press, advertisements drawing the attention of the public to the protection afforded by the use of the Public Trustee when wills and family settlements are made?

The Attorney-General

I think the powers of the Public Trustee are generally known. I would also point out that the Public Trustee does not act as a solicitor and many of these cases arise where there is no question of trusteeship. It is, therefore, not proposed to adopt the hon. and gallant Member's suggestion.

Rear-Admiral Beamish

asked the Attorney-General when the Law Society intend to introduce their Bill for the better protection of the public against the occasional malpractices of their members; and whether the Bill will be introduced in this House or another place?

The Attorney-General

I understand that the Law Society have made considerable progress with the preparation of the Bill to which my hon. and gallant Friend refers. I am not in a position to state whether it will be possible to deal with it this Session.