§ 31. Mr. Kaufmanasked the Attorney-General what action he is taking to implement the recommendations in Report No. 164 of the National Board for Prices and Incomes, Command Paper No. 4624, with regard to the reduction of conveyancing charges by solicitors.
§ The Attorney-General (Sir Peter Rawlinson)Consideration is now being given to the recommendations of the National Board for Prices and Incomes in its recent Report on Solicitors' Remuneration.
§ Mr. KaufmanRecalling that when the National Board for Prices and 810 Incomes made recommendations for increases in solicitors' charges, those increases were implemented with all due speed, in one case at a considerably higher level than had been suggested, should not the Government ensure that these charges are reduced so that would-be home owners may be helped—apart from enabling the Government on this unique occasion to cut a price at a stroke?
§ The Attorney-GeneralThe hon. Gentleman will appreciate that this Final Report was published only on 1st April. It is being studied. Its recommendations must be studied in the light of the Monopolies Commission Report relating to the professions. All the professions have been asked to make submissions by May on any proposed modifications they may have. When the necessary studies have been completed, action will be taken.