§ 2.47 p.m.
§ LORD FOLEYMy Lords, I beg leave to ask the first Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.
§ [The Question was as follows:
§ To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they will state, in respect of the current year to date, how many complaints, excluding matters concerned with legal aid, have been considered by the Disciplinary Committee appointed in accordance with the provisions of Section 46 of the Solicitors Act 1957; in how many instances such complaints have been found to be justifiable; and how many cases are pending or under review.]
§ THE LORD CHANCELLORMy Lords, I am informed that during the current year to date the Disciplinary Committee of the Law Society have considered complaints involving 22 solicitors. The Committee found the complaints justified, in whole or in part, in the case of 14 solicitors and imposed penalties on them. Complaints against 4 other solicitors have been heard, and the Committee's findings and orders will be pronounced shortly. Complaints against 11 solicitors are still pending.
§ LORD FOLEYMy Lords, I should like to thank the noble and learned Lord for his reply.