HC Deb 11 March 1893 vol 9 cc1700-1
MR. POWELL WILLIAMS

I beg to ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether the Law Officers of the Crown, under the new Regulations applying to their office, are allowed to take Chamber practice for private clients?

THE ATTORNEY GENERAL (Sir C RUSSELL, Hackney, S.)

My right hon. Friend has asked me to answer this question. I presume the hon. Member refers to the advice given to clients as opinions. The Rules do not prohibit that in express terms, but undoubtedly the spirit of the Rules does prohibit advice to?clients if that interferes with the efficiency of the Law Officers in their attention to Public Business.

MR. POWELL WILLIAMS

I beg to ask for a distinct answer to the question, whether or not the Law Officers intend to undertake private Chamber practice?

SIR C. RUSSELL

So far as I am concerned, I do not. I cannot speak for my colleague.

MR. HANBURY

What is meant by "private" clients? Will the Attorney General explain what he really means by Chamber practice for private clients?

SIR C. RUSSELL

I must ask for notice of any further questions.