Mr. Johnstonasked the Lord Advocate whether, in view of the terms of the report of the Poor Persons Representation (Scotland) Committee, any steps have been taken to stop the appointment year after year or at frequent intervals of the same solicitors in Glasgow as agents for the poor?
§ The Solicitor-General for ScotlandThe control of the appointment of solicitors for the poor is vested by Statute in the sheriff. Appointment is for one year and there is statutory authority for re-appointment. Complaints against solicitors for the poor in Glasgow, which have come to the 1967W notice of my right hon. Friend, have been reported by him to the Sheriff of Lanarkshire, by whom appropriate action has been taken. I understand that special attention is being given by the Sheriff of Lanarkshire to securing a high standard of efficiency and that no advantage would be secured by refraining from re-appointing for a second or subsequent term solicitors who have given satisfactory service.