§ Mr. Ryderasked the Attorney-General whether he will list measures to encourage competition being considered by the Lord Chancellor's Department or his Department.
§ The Attorney-GeneralAs my hon. Friend knows, the Lord Chancellor's Office is mainly concerned with the courts, judicial appointments, the Public Trustee, the Public Record Office, the Court of Protection and the Land Registry which do not greatly lend themselves to competition. But initiatives are under way to increase competition in conveyancing and to introduce a greater role for the private sector in handling the private moneys for which the Lord Chancellor is responsible.
The functions of my own Department also do not lend themselves to the direct encouragement of competition. 486W However, from time to time, of course the Law Officers' are asked to advise Ministers in other Departments on the legal aspects of measures to encourage competition.