§ Mr. AingerTo ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department who is responsible for investigating allegations that a person not qualified as a licensed solicitor is presented to the client, assisted party, and Legal Aid Board as the nominated and conducting solicitor; and who would be responsible for prosecuting such a case. [13801]
§ Mr. StreeterIf allegations are received that the nominated solicitor is not qualified to act, the board will investigate. If the unqualified person has been admitted to the roll but does not have a practising certificate, the board will refer the matter to the office for the supervision of solicitors which will take appropriate disciplinary action.
If the unqualified person has never been admitted to the roll and has held him/herself out to be a qualified solicitor, the matter will be referred to the Law Society. The Law Society will consider the case and, in conjunction with the police, decide whether to prosecute under sections 20 and 21 of the Solicitors Act 1974.