§ 52. Sir JOHN FERGUSONasked the Attorney-General if he can give the number of solicitors convicted under the criminal law for fraudulent conversion of clients' property for the period 1st May, 1929, to 14th April, 1930?
§ The SOLICITOR - GENERAL (Sir James Melville)My hon. and learned Friend is informed by the 2898 Law Society that there have been 11 convictions during the period mentioned.
§ Sir J. FERGUSONIs the hon. and learned Gentleman aware that there is a very general feeling among the public that the Incorporated Law Society ought to put its house in order in this respect?
§ 53. Mr. MARJORIBANKS(for Captain CAZALET) asked the Attorney-General whether he will introduce legislation, by way of insurance or otherwise, by which solicitors convicted of fraud may be enabled to refund, in whole or in part, the losses of those who have suffered by their fraud?
§ The SOLICITOR-GENERALI am fully aware of the importance of the matter to which the hon. and gallant Member has drawn attention. I understand that it has for some time been under the consideration of the Law Society, with whom my friend the Lord Chancellor is in communication. The time is not yet ripe for the introduction of legislation upon the subject.
§ Mr. MARJORIBANKSWill the hon. and learned Gentleman communicate with the Law Society?
§ The SOLICITOR-GENERALYes, certainly, and, if I do not do it, I will ask my Noble Friend the Lord Chancellor to resume negotiations with them if he is not still in communication with them.
§ Mr. C. WILLIAMSWhen will the time be really thoroughly ripe?
§ Mr. MUGGERIDGEDoes not my hon. and learned Friend think it advisable to let the public know that it is better to leave funds to the Public Trustee than to leave them in the hands of private practitioners?