HC Deb 20 June 1912 vol 39 cc1835-6
39. Mr. WATT

asked the Lord Advocate whether it is a statutory rule which renders it compulsory for a litigant in the Court of Session in Scotland to employ counsel as well as agent; if not, will he state the origin of the rule; and will he introduce legislation which will save the public this double expense, in view of the fact that litigation has grown so much more expensive of late years?

The LORD ADVOCATE (Mr. Ure)

There is no statutory rule relative to the matter referred to by my hon. Friend. The practice dates, I believe, from the institution of the Court of Session in 1532. I cannot undertake to introduce legislation on the topic mentioned in the last part of the question.

Mr. WATT

Does the right hon. Gentleman not think that the monopoly of the Bar in Scotland ought to be broken down to some extent?

Mr. URE

There is no monopoly of the bar.