Mr. Blairasked the Attorney-General whether the Lord Chancellor is satisfied with the operation of the procedures for dealing with complaints against members of the Law Society.
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§ The Attorney-GeneralThese procedures are primarily a matter for the Law Society. The society has announced its intention of seeking wider powers, through legislation, to enable it to deal more effectively with some complaints. Following recent legal proceedings, the lay observer is examining the society's treatment of the complaints made by the applicant in that case against a named individual.
Mr. Blairasked the Attorney-General whether the Lord Chancellor has any plans to seek to establish a body independent of the Law Society to investigate complaints against Law Society members; and if he will make a statement.
§ The Attorney-GeneralThe lay observer who is an independent office-holder, is appointed by the Lord Chancellor in order to investigate complaints about the Law Society's treatment of complaints against solicitors. He is currently examining a complaint referred to him by the applicant in recent court proceedings. The lay observer presents an annual report to the Lord Chancellor. The Law Society itself intends to seek further powers.