§ Dr. Howittasked the Attorney-General whether he will investigate and, if necessary, take steps to alter the relationship of solicitors to the public in view of the inability of the Law Society so to control solicitors as to prevent further losses to the public arising from fraud, in respect of funds and assets entrusted to solicitors by their clients, as shown by numerous convictions in the criminal courts during the past 10 years?
§ Sir M. Sueterasked the Attorney-General whether he will consult with the Law Society with a view to agreeing without further delay upon the terms of a legislative enactment designed to prevent fraudulent conversion of clients' property administered by solicitors, and to submitting the draft Bill to public criticism before it is introduced to Parliament by the Society?
§ The Attorney-GeneralA Bill dealing with this matter and others was introduced in Parliament this Session and this matter was investigated and considered by a Joint Committee who made certain recommendations. As I have stated in reply to other questions, it was felt to be not possible to proceed with the remaining stages of the Bill this Session, but the Law Society are anxious to introduce a Bill embodying the recommendations of the Committee as soon as practicable.