HC Deb 13 July 1966 vol 731 cc1459-60
46. Mr. Whitaker

asked the Attorney-General whether he has now decided to apply for an alteration in the temporary scheme set up in March, 1906, for the investment of the proceeds of sale of New Inn and Cliffords Inn; and what will be the value of these funds, at the previous rate of alteration in value, in 60 years' time.

The Attorney-General

After consulting the Law Society and the Council of Legal Education, I applied to the court for an order for reinvestment of these funds in one of the common investment funds administered by the Public Trustee under the Administration of Justice Act, 1965, and an order authoris- ing such reinvestment was made on 5th July, 1966. I hope that this reinvestment will arrest and indeed reverse the process of capital depreciation, and that in 60 years time the capital value of the funds will have appreciated.

Mr. Whitaker

As the answer to my second question is "Nil", would my right hon. and learned Friend agree that it is time, in the public interest, to reexamine the whole question of legal education, in view of the publication this week of a survey which shows that a majority of both branches of the legal profession are profoundly dissatisfied with their education?

The Attorney-General

While not accepting the first part of my hon. Friend's supplementary question, I would say on the second part that the problem of legal education is now under the most active consideration by both branches of the legal profession.

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