§ 58. Sir J. Leechasked the Attorney-General whether, in view of the fact that the Solicitors Accounts Rules have failed to prevent fraudulent conversion by solicitors, as disclosed by 23 convictions in the criminal courts since 1935, he will, for the protection of the public, seek legislative power to examine and certify 701 solicitors' accounts by a system of periodical audit by officers of the Central Government or by the accounting officers of the local public authority?
§ The Solicitor-General (Sir Terence O'Connor)As my right hon. and learned Friend stated in answers to previous questions, this general matter is under consideration by the Law Society who hope shortly to formulate proposals.
§ Mr. Rhys DaviesIs it possible for the hon. and learned Gentleman to suggest to the Law Society that solicitors should be compelled to employ competent auditors to go through their books?
§ The Solicitor-GeneralI think that, as the previous answers of my right hon. and learned Friend show, the whole matter is under consideration by the Law Society at the present time, and, obviously, it would be desirable to await their proposals before any steps are taken.