§ Mrs. GoldingTo ask the Attorney-General whether he will seek to strengthen the criminal law with the intention of reducing the number of uncertificated solicitors who are acting improperly.
§ The Attorney-GeneralI see no reason to do so. Criminal sanctions for an offence under section 20 of the Solicitors Act 1974 are already severe; penalties of imprisonment for not more than two years, a fine, or both may be imposed. Specific offences relating to the commission of certain prohibited acts attract other penalties under the Solicitors Act 1974.
§ Mrs. GoldingTo ask the Attorney-General why he will not take steps to establish a method of complaints against uncertificated solicitors which is more open to scrutiny than the Solicitors Complaints Bureau.
§ The Attorney-GeneralI have not seen any reason to do so.