§ 3.7 p.m.
§ LORD FOLEYMy Lords, I beg to ask the second Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.
§ [The Question was as follows:
§ To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they are aware that the Solicitors (Disciplinary Proceedings) Rules 1957 governing the procedure for making a complaint to the Disciplinary Committee against solicitors make it virtually impossible for ordinary citizens to make such complaints without giving instructions to other solicitors who are invariably reluctant to act against members of their own profession but who, in any event, would be entitled to fees which the average citizen is unable to pay, and in these circumstances whether they would consider introducing legislation amending the Solicitors Act 1957 in order to ensure that ordinary citizens are not left to fight unaided to right wrongs which the system has worked upon them.]
§ THE LORD CHANCELLORMy Lords, I am unable to accept the implications of the noble Lord's Question. The procedure prescribed by the Solicitors (Disciplinary Proceeding) Rules 1957 is straightforward and certainly not such as to make legal representation essential, or to involve heavy costs if the complainant chooses to be represented. I see no need for legislation on this subject. What the complainant has to do is to fill in a form, which means filling in the name and address of the solicitor complained against, his own name and address, his occupation, and then to set out his complaint in writing and have it sworn before a commissioner for oaths for a matter of shillings.
§ LORD FOLEYMy Lords, I should like to thank the noble and learned Lord the Lord Chancellor for his Answer.