§ Mr. Aspinwallasked the Attorney-General what is the position with regard to the implementation of the provisions of part II of the Administration of Justice Act 1985; and if he will make a statement.
§ The Attorney-GeneralAs far as the provisions of part II of the Administration of Justice Act 1985 are concerned, the Council for Licensed Conveyancers has been established with the power to issue licences to persons qualified to provide conveyancing services to the public. The first licences have been issued and the council, with the concurrence of the Lord Chancellor, has made certain rules regulating entry to the profession and regulating the 809W conduct of licensed conveyancers generally. Rules to enable the council to permit corporations controlled by licensed conveyancers to provide conveyancing services have not yet been made. It is the Government's intention that all of the provisions contained in part II of the Administration of Justice Act 1985 will he implemented as soon as is practicable.
§ Mr. Aspinwallasked the Attorney-General what is (a) the number of licensed conveyancers thus far registered with the Council for Licensed Conveyancers and (b) the number of applications made for registration.
§ The Attorney-GeneralApplications for licences are dealt with in two stages. The first stage is the giving of notice of intention to apply, and it is at this stage that consideration is given to the question of the applicant's suitability. The second stage is the submission of a formal application. By 31 October a total of 420 notices of intention to apply had been received by the Council for Licensed Conveyancers, of which 158 are currently being considered, and 223 licences have been issued following the receipt of formal applications.