§ 31. Mr. MARCUSasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will consider the advisability of introducing legislation for the purpose of substantially reducing the fees at present payable by entrants in connection with admission to the Faculty of Advocates, and also to abolish the present distinction between advocates and solicitors in Scotland?
§ Mr. JOHNSTONI would remind my hon. Friend that the payments in question include payments to the Advocates Widows Fund (which are, of course, of the nature of insurance premiums), and also stamp duty. My right hon. Friend is not satisfied that legislation is required in order to effect reduction in the other payments, but he is prepared to consider whether any action can be taken by him in regard to the matter. I am not aware that there is any demand for a fusion of the two branches of the profession.