I propose to take Questions Nos. 8 and 48 together.
A review of the Solicitors Acts 1954-60 has been almost finalised in my Department and I hope to be in a position to submit comprehensive proposals for amending legislation to the Government very shortly.
The proposals will take account of the recommendations of the Restrictive Practices Commission in the report of their inquiry into the effects on competition of the restrictions on conveyancing and the restrictions on advertising by solicitors, which was completed in 1982.
The restrictions on persons with whom solicitors may join in partnership is among the issues being examined by the Restrictive Practices Commission in the course of their current study of the legal profession. I consider that the outcome of the study should be awaited before consideration is given to the need for change in relation to this matter.