§ Lord Denhamasked Her Majesty's Government:
When they intend to publish their regulations under Sections 54 and 55 of the Courts and Legal Services Act 1990.
§ The Lord Chancellor (Lord Mackay of Clashfern)I am today issuing a consultation document setting out draft regulations for probate complaints schemes under Sections 54 and 55 of the Courts and Legal Services Act 1990. Under the provisions of that Act, membership of such a scheme will be compulsory for financial institutions and other persons wishing to provide probate services to the public. The draft regulations require all probate practitioners to belong to an ombudsman scheme with powers to award compensation. Copies of the consultation paper and the draft regulations will be placed in the Libraries of both Houses, will be available in the Printed Paper Office, and have been sent to representatives of the financial institutions, the legal profession and others who have an interest in the content of the regulations.