§ The Attorney-GeneralI beg to move, in page 10, line 9, at end insert—
'(5) After that subsection there shall be inserted—(4) A local weights and measures authority may institute proceedings for an offence under this section.".'.In Committee I undertook to introduce an amendment to empower trading standards departments, which formerly were known, probably inappropriately, as weights and measures authorities, to undertake prosecutions for breaches of section 22 of the Solicitors Act 1974. This amendment gives effect to that undertaking. For some time, the arrangements for prosecuting illegal conveyancers have been regarded as unsatisfactory. The Royal Commission on legal services recommended that the Law Society should cease to undertake such prosecutions. No statutory requirement is imposed on the Law Society to do that, and it has assumed responsibility rather by default. That has given rise to presentational difficulties, because it has not been sufficiently recognised that when the Law Society initiates such prosecutions, it is not being selfish and acting in its own interests, but is acting to protect the public.We have been exploring alternatives and it has been agreed that local trading standards departments should take responsibility in this area. That seems to be a sensible move.
§ Amendment agreed to.