HC Deb 17 March 1936 vol 310 cc210-2
58. Mr. GALLACHER

asked the Lord Advocate what is the cost in fees, stamp duties, and other charges, of becoming an advocate in Scotland and also of becoming a solicitor in Scotland; whether he is aware that these expenses make it impossible for large numbers of educated Scotsmen to become advocates or solicitors; and whether he will take steps by introducing legislation, or otherwise, to secure that persons desirous of becoming advocates or solicitors shall be able so to do without such expenses?

The LORD ADVOCATE (Mr. T. M. Cooper)

The sums payable in respect of admission to the Faculty of Advocates amount in all to some £400, exclusive of payments due in respect of the Widows' Fund. These sums are required partly for payment of stamp duties but mainly for the maintenance of the libraries and premises utilised by members of the Faculty. The cost of becoming a solicitor in Scotland is rather less than £100. This sum is required partly for payment of stamp duties and partly for examination and tuition fees. I am not aware that prospective candidates are deterred from becoming advocates or solicitors in Scotland by the amount of those charges, and, having regard to the purpose to which the money is put, I have no reason to think that it would be practicable to effect any substantial modification in them.

Mr. GALLACHER

Is the Lord Advocate not aware of the fact that many working-class families at very great sacrifice put their children through universities, but find it impossible to meet these charges, and will not something be done to put an end to them?

The LORD ADVOCATE

I am not aware of that fact. I would remind the hon. Member that those charges are only a small part of the expense and financial risk inseparable from entering any learned profession.

Mr. H. G. WILLIAMS

Has the Lord Advocate further considered that, in view of the fact that under a Communist system nobody owns anything, we shall not want any lawyers?

Mr. GALLACHER

You will be suppressed anyhow.

Mr. T. JOHNSTON

Arising out of the original answer, is the Lord Advocate aware that there are additional inhibitions to those mentioned in the question, for example, that solicitors who desire to practise as advocates in the Court of Session must walk about for a period without taking any jobs at all, and must be financially able to do so?

Mr. STEPHEN

If the Lord Advocate gets a. list of hundreds of people with university degrees who have been debarred from going to the Bar because of those expenses, will he alter his decision and take steps to free them from this burden?

The LORD ADVOCATE

I would like to see the hon. Member's question.