§ Mr. CarringtonTo ask the Attorney-General when the Lord Chancellor intends to publish his regulations under sections 54 and 55 of the Courts and Legal Services Act 1990.
§ The Attorney-GeneralMy noble and learned Friend the Lord Chancellor is today issuing a consultation document setting out draft regulations for probate complaints schemes under sections 54 and 55 of the Courts and Legal Services Act 1990. Under the provisions of that Act, membership of such a scheme will be compulsory for financial institutions and other persons wishing to provide probate services to the public. The draft regulations require all probate practitioners to belong to an ombudsman scheme with powers to award compensation. Copies of the consultation document and draft regulations will be placed in the Libraries of both Houses, are available in the Vote Office, and have been sent to representatives of the financial institutions, the legal profession and others who have an interest in the content of the regulations.