31. Mr. R. C. Mitchellasked the Attorney-General whether he will introduce legislation to establish an independent body to investigate complaints made by members of the public against solicitors.
§ The Attorney-GeneralThe Law Society is reviewing the procedure for investigating such complaints. This matter was also the subject of a recent report by " Justice ". Until the results of the Law Society's review are known and studied, it would be premature to reach any conclusion on this matter.
Mr. MitchellDoes the Attorney-General think that the Law Society is necessarily the right body to make these inquiries? Is he aware that in some circles the Law Society tends to be regarded as the solicitors' trade union? Should not a more independent body be set up to make the necessary inquiries?
§ The Attorney-GeneralWe had better wait and see what the extent of the problem is and what are the views of the professional body directly affected before we come to a decision as to whether there is any need for legislative or Governmental intervention.