HC Deb 26 November 2002 vol 395 cc156-7
38. Mr. David Cameron (Witney)

How many complaints she has received about the operation of the Office for the Supervision of Solicitors in the past year; and if she will make a statement. [81468]

The Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department (Ms Rosie Winterton)

The responsibility for handling complaints about the Office for the Supervision of Solicitors falls to the Office of the Legal Services Ombudsman. Information about specific numbers of referrals to the OLSO about the OSS is available in the ombudsman's most recent report, a copy of which is in the Library. However, concerns about the operation of the OSS have been raised in correspondence to the Lord Chancellor's Department, and the Lord Chancellor has warned that unless swift and substantive improvements are made, he will not hesitate to implement his reserve powers and establish a legal services complaints commissioner.

Mr. Cameron

What would the Minister say to my constituent, Mr. Fraser of Chipping Norton, who wrote to me stating: Self-regulation only seemed to work when solicitors did not tout for business and there were fewer solicitors. Now that the number of complaints is so large, as the Minister said in her answer, the backlog is so significant, and the level of dissatisfaction is getting so high, can she set a deadline for when she will make a decision about whether or nor the current system is working?

Ms Winterton

With regard to self-regulation, the Government have always started from the position that the legal profession should be independent and self-regulating. Solicitors should be able to represent their clients freely and without fear, potentially against the Government, if necessary. It is important that we accept that as the ideal position. However, we are keenly aware of the points that the hon. Gentleman makes about complaints, particularly about the Office for the Supervision of Solicitors. As I said, the Lord Chancellor would prefer the office to get itself in good working order. However, if that does not happen, he has taken reserve powers that will be reviewed frequently to ensure that improvements are being made. If not, other action will be taken.