65. Mr. R. C. Mitchellasked the Attorney-General when it is intended to appoint a lay observer under Secton 45 of the Solicitors Act 1974.
§ The Solicitor-General (Mr. Peter Archer)My noble Friend the Lord Chancellor has appointed Rear Admiral B. C. G. Place to be a lay observer with effect from 17th February 1975.
Mr. MitchellI thank my hon. and learned Friend for that reply. Will he undertake to keep a close watch on the situation during the next year or so? It took four years of parliamentary struggle to persuade the Law Society to, have a lay observer, and it is important that the system works well.
§ The Solicitor-GeneralI am sure my hon. Friend will accept that I am as anxious as he is to ensure that this will provide an effective voice for the layman.