HC Deb 20 December 1971 vol 828 cc1106-7
31. Mr. Lipton

asked the Attorney-General what action he is taking to promote the fusion of barristers and solicitors into one profession, in view of the fusion which already prevails in member countries of the European Economic Community.

The Attorney-General

There is no reason why membership of the European Economic Community should call for the fusion of the legal profession in this country.

Mr. Lipton

Is not the Attorney-General aware that members of both sides of the profession will be free to take certain cases before the European Court, with no professional restrictions, so that to that extent fusion will take place? Why is he so opposed to fusion when it is bound to come anyhow?

The Attorney-General

In reply to the second part of the supplementary question, neither branch of the profession believes in fusion. There are differences and distinctions between lawyers in all the other nine countries who are or may be in the future members of the Economic Community. As to the position that will face the legal profession in this country, barristers will appear in cases referred from superior courts in the United Kingdom and in cases in which solicitors do not want to appear.

Sir D. Walker-Smith

Is there any risk that members of the legal profession over here in either of the two categories may, in the event of our entry into the Community, lose professional opportunities in comparison with lawyers in the Six countries? If that be so, is there not a possibility that conscientious views in regard to the desirability or otherwise of the fusion of the profession will be affected by these material considerations?

The Attorney-General

I do not think that members of the legal profession should find any difficulty with the present organisation in deciding who should appear before the European Court. The fusion of the profession is a very different matter. I was interested when members of the United States Bar were visiting us in the summer to hear their complimentary comments on the organisation of the profession over here.