§ Mr. Loydenasked the Attorney-General how many cases the Lay Observer has dealt with since his appointment.
§ The Solicitor-GeneralThe Lay Observer has dealt with 183 cases since his appointment on 17th February. He is in the process of dealing with a further 74.
§ Mr. Loydenasked the Attorney-General what steps have been taken to bring public attention to the role and function of the Lay Observer.
§ The Solicitor-GeneralThe Lay Observer's role and functions were announced to the Press on 3rd February 1975. The Press notice included a copy of the General Directions about the scope and discharge of his functions given by my noble Friend the Lord Chancellor under Section 45 of the Solicitors Act 1974. It is also the practice of the Law Society, when deciding that no disciplinary action is to be taken on a complaint against a solicitor, to inform the complainant of the Lay Observer's jurisdiction.