§ 32. Mr. Kaufmanasked the Attorney-General whether he has now completed his consideration of 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; and what action he proposes to take.
§ The Attorney-GeneralI have nothing to add to my answer to the hon. Member's Question on 24th May.—[Vol. 818, c. 27–8.]
§ Mr. KaufmanIs the right hon. and learned Gentleman aware that he has now had the report for three months without taking any action on it? Will he now say "Yes" or "No" to whether he intends to help those people who wish to buy their homes by stopping this misuse of a monopoly power by a small self-interested closed shop?
§ The Attorney-GeneralAs I have previously indicated to the hon. Gentleman, the report, which was received on 1st April, had to be considered and has to 25 be considered in conjunction with the Monopolies Commission's report. This is being done, but at the moment I cannot give the hon. Gentleman any information about when he will be told the results.
§ Mr. AshtonIs not the Attorney-General aware that the earlier Prices and Incomes Board Report said that conveyancing fees should be cut by 6 per cent.? In view of the present rocketing prices of houses, together with the rise in the cost of living, is not this one price which could be cut at a stroke by a simple Order in Council to implement the Report of the Prices and Incomes Board?
§ The Attorney-GeneralThe report is being considered, but it has to be taken in conjunction with the Monopolies Commission's report. As soon as these two reports have been considered together, action will be taken.