HC Deb 02 March 1976 vol 906 cc510-1W
Q33. Mr. Christopher Price

asked the Prime Minister when he intends to appoint the chairmen and members of the Royal Commission into the Legal Profession.

The Prime Minister

As soon as is practicable.

Mr. Fitt

asked the Prime Minister if he is yet in a position to announce the Government's decision on a possible inquiry into the legal profession in Northern Ireland.

The Prime Minister

Yes. I have recommended to Her Majesty the Queen that the terms of reference given to the Commission which I announced on 12th February should be amended to enable the scope of its inquiry to include the legal profession in Northern Ireland. I am also considering the inclusion in the Commission of a member from Northern Ireland whose name I will announce together with those of the rest of the Commission in due course.

Mr. Doig

asked the Prime Minister if, following his statement in the House on 12th February, he is now able to announce the Government's decision on a possible inquiry into the legal profession in Scotland.

The Prime Minister

Yes. I have recommended to Her Majesty the Queen that a Royal Commission should be established with the following terms of referenceTo inquire into the law and practice relating to the provision of legal services in Scotland and to consider whether any, and if so what, changes are desirable in the public interest in the structure, organisation, training and regulation of, and entry into, the legal profession, including the arrangements for determining its remuneration, whether from private sources or public funds, and in the rules which prevent persons who are neither advocates nor solicitors from undertaking conveyancing and other legal business on behalf of other persons.

Because of the close relationship in Scotland between the system of courts of law and the organisation of the profession, the Commission will be informed that, in so far as structure of the court system has a bearing on its terms of reference, it will be open to it to examine that system.

The Commission will have all the usual powers to call for evidence and information, to make inquiries and visits, and to submit interim reports.

The chairman and membership will be announced later.

It is the intention that this Commission and the Commission I announced on 12th February should maintain a close working relationship.