asked the Minister for Justice if he has any plans to introduce a Solicitors Bill within the scope of which solicitors will be able to advertise.
Written Answers. - Solicitors Bill.
37.
The present prohibition on advertising by solicitors is imposed by the Law Society, in regulations which the Society made under the Solicitors Act, 1954. The membership of the Law Society voted recently to permit members of the profession to advertise their services. I expect that the Council of the Law Society will make the necessary regulations shortly. My concurrence is not required for such regulations, and no statutory amendment is required to enable the Law Society to remove the prohibition on advertising.
I hope to submit comprehensive proposals for amendments to the Solicitors Acts, to Government shortly for approval. I have informed the House previously, that my proposals will take account of the recommendations in the Restrictive Practices Commission's report in 1982 on the restrictions on conveyancing and advertising by solicitors. The commission recommended the removal of the prohibition on advertising by solicitors, subject to a safeguard against advertising which is injurious to the repute of the profession.