(NO. 12.) SECOND READING. (Hansard, 10 February 1887)

§ LORD FITZGERALD
, in moving that the Bill be now read a second time, said, the object of the measure was to consolidate and amend the law so as to place the profession of Solicitor in Ireland on a similar footing to that enjoyed by it in England. He brought in the Bill on behalf of the Incorporated Society of Solicitors in Ireland, whose desire was to raise the standard of professional education in Ireland. The measure contained 59 clauses, which, amongst other things, declared that no person should act as solicitor unless admitted and enrolled. It laid down the terms of apprenticeship, made provision for examinations prior to admission to the profession, and for the proper keep- 1059 ing of the roll. It also provided for the registration of solicitors, made arrangements as to certificates and penalties, and contained miscellaneous provisions for the authentication of regulations and other documents, the construction of enactments referring to attorneys' examinations, and the amendment of 33 & 34 Vict. 97. 62. There was also a clause making temporary provision as to examination, and another of appeal. He would further say, that if the Bill were read a second time that night, he should defer the Committee stage for a fortnight.

§ THE LORD PRIVY SEAL (Earl CADOGAN)
said, he had received an intimation from his noble and learned Friend the Lord Chancellor of Ireland, to the effect that there would be no objection to the second reading of the Bill. There were, however, several formal Amendments the noble and learned Lord would desire to see made, of which he would furnish the noble Lord opposite with a list. As the Committee stage was to be postponed for a fortnight, there would be ample time to consider the proposed Amendments.

§ LORD FITZGERALD
said, he should be very grateful to the noble and learned Lord for any suggestion which would improve the Bill.