§ 33. Mr. Arthur Lewisasked the Attorney-General whether he will, in view of the report of the Young Solicitors Group of the Law Society entitled, "Tomorrow's Lawyers ", a copy of which has been sent to him, take whatever action is necessary to recommend the abolition of Queen's Counsel; and to what extent he estimates this would reduce legal costs.
§ The Attorney-GeneralI am not persuaded that the abolition of Queen's Counsel would lead to any reduction of costs. Most of the recommendations of the document are questions for the legal profession itself.
§ Mr. LewisOne would not be surprised at that reply. Is the right hon. and learned Gentleman aware that even some QCs in the House have expressed the view that this suggestion might well be adopted? Could lie give a good reason for not accepting the view of this progressive Young Solicitors Group of the Law Society?
§ The Attorney-GeneralThis is just one of the proposals in the document entitled "Tomorrow's Lawyers ". In fact, the practice of engaging leading practitioners with the rank of Queen's Counsel in litigation and handling cases in court has worked satisfactorily. I suggest that it is a system which many other countries would like to, and perhaps may, follow.