COMPLAINTS AGAINST SOLIICITORS - Early Day Motions - UK Parliament

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Early Day Motions

As this motion is using historical data, we may not have the record of the original ordering, in which case signatories are listed alphabetically.

Amendment to this motion

There has been an amendment submitted to this motion.

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Motion text

That this House notes the continuing high level of public dissatisfaction with the existing system for dealing with complaints against solicitors currently operated by the Office for the Supervision of Solicitors, which is funded and run by solicitors employing non-transparent rules of investigation entwined in cumbersome and time-consuming procedures perpetuating the perception that the complaints system exists to protect solicitors and deny the complainant justice, as further exemplified by the fact that out of some 20,000 complaints a year only around 250, 1.25 per cent., are upheld and that they are limited to derisory levels of compensation; and believes that the establishment of an independent body led by commercially experienced people with powers to investigate complaints against solicitors and to determine and award compensation for financial loss would remedy the continuing imbalance inherent in the present system, restore confidence in the profession and lead to a reduction in the number of complaints, while disciplinary action and all other regulation would remain with the Law Society.

Signatures (40)

Supporters (40)
Withdrawn signatures (0)

The first 6 Members who have signed to support the motion are the sponsors. The primary sponsor is generally the person who tabled the motion and has responsibility for it. The date shown is when the Member signed the motion.

Sutcliffe, Mr Gerry

Abbott, Ms Diane

27 November 1997

Hackney North and Stoke Newington

Barnes, Mr Harry

North East Derbyshire

Liberal Democrat

Carshalton and Wallington

Brand, Dr Peter

Liberal Democrat

Cable, Dr Vincent

Liberal Democrat

In addition to the sponsors, the following Members have signed to support the motion.

Campbell, Mr Ronnie

Clapham, Mr Michael

Barnsley West and Penistone

Islington North

Cunliffe, Mr Lawrence

27 November 1997

Liverpool, Garston

Etherington, Bill

Sunderland North

Gorrie, Mr Donald

Liberal Democrat

Graham, Mr Tommy

West Renfrewshire

Gunnell, Mr John

Morley and Rothwell

Liberal Democrat

Sheffield, Hillsborough

Jones, Mr Nigel

Liberal Democrat

Keetch, Mr Paul

Liberal Democrat

Rugby and Kenilworth

Brighton, Pavilion

Livingstone, Mr Ken

McDonnell, John

Hayes and Harlington

McWalter, Mr Tony

24 November 1997

Hemel Hempstead

McWilliam, Mr John

Michie, Mr Bill

Sheffield, Heeley

Mitchell, Mr Austin

Pickthall, Mr Colin

West Lancashire

Scarborough and Whitby

Liberal Democrat

Skinner, Mr Dennis

Stringer, Graham

Manchester, Blackley

Turner, Dr Desmond

Brighton, Kemptown

There are no withdrawn signatures for this motion.

Amendments (1)

After a motion has been tabled, other Members can table amendments to it. Amendments to this motion are shown below.

COMPLAINTS AGAINST SOLIICITORS (Amendment 1)

leave out from `House' to end and add `notes that a high level of public dissatisfaction with the system for dealing with complaints against solicitors led to the recent establishment of the Office for the Supervision of Solicitors; expects improvements in speed and effectiveness of investigation, remedy and accountability; and awaits with interest future reports of the OSS.'.

Mr David Kidney

Labour, Stafford

3

signatures

EDM 218A1: tabled on 9 July 1997