Solicitors (Limited Liability)

HC Deb 20 April 1999 vol 329 cc533-4W

Mr. Dismore

To ask the Minister of State, Lord Chancellor's Department what plans he has to permit solicitors to practise as limited liability companies; and if he will make a statement.[R] [81097]

Mr. Hoon

Individual solicitors are already permitted to practise as limited liability companies although very few do. Limited Liability Partnerships are not at present permitted under English law. A Bill is currently being prepared by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry to introduce Limited Liability Partnerships into Great Britain. It will be for the Law Society to decide whether solicitors will be able to take advantage of this new way of structuring their businesses.