HC Deb 09 February 1966 vol 724 cc400-2
37. Mr. Mapp

asked the Minister without Portfolio whether he will refer to the Monopolies Commission or other suitable body for inquiry the scales of legal charges imposed by the legal profession in respect of house purchase.

The Minister without Portfolio (Sir Eric Fletcher)

No, Sir. The scales of solicitors' charges for conveyancing business are prescribed by a committee set up under Section 56 of the Solicitors Act 1957, of which my noble Friend the Lord Chancellor is the chairman. My noble Friend has already initiated discussions with the Law Society with the object of reviewing the existing scales both for registered and unregistered land transactions. The Law Society has set up a sub-committee to consider these matters.

Mr. Mapp

Is my hon. Friend aware that, in effect, the profession is both judge and jury in respect of these charges, and that there is profound indignation among ordinary people at the impossible charges which are being demanded, in a monopoly sense, for what are private services? Will he say whether in these days we cannot have a disinterested and detached body to review the services, practices and charges of the profession?

Sir Eric Fletcher

I cannot accept what my hon. Friend says. The Lord Chancellor is perfectly impartial in the matter. As I have said, the matter of producing a reduction in the existing scales is under active consideration by a committee over which he is presiding.

Mr. William Hamilton

What consumer interests are being consulted by the Lord Chancellor? Would my hon. Friend consider asking the Consumer Council its views on these matters, because it is very much concerned with monopolistic situations?

Sir Eric Fletcher

I can assure my hon. Friend that the views and interests of consumers, as of the public generally, are being very carefully considered by my noble Friend.

Hon. Members

Where from?

Sir A. V. Harvey

Can the hon. Gentleman say why all these matters which affect the legal profession are always decided by the legal profession, even to his being at the Dispatch Box? Would it not be a good thing to have a quite impartial body and perhaps refer it to Mr. Aubrey Jones of the Prices and Incomes Board?

Sir Eric Fletcher

The hon. Gentleman will be aware that this is a system which has operated for a very long time. [HON. MEMBERS: "Too long."] I am well aware of the criticisms which have been expressed, and I can assure the hon. Gentleman that everything that has been said will be most carefully taken into consideration by my noble Friend.

Mr. Mapp

In view of the unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I beg to give notice that I will raise the matter on the Adjournment.