Oral Answers to Questions

Desmond Swayne Excerpts

Thursday 31st January 2019 Commons Chamber

[Jeremy Wright]

As I have set out, we expect the BBC to honour that commitment. We made it clear that we expected the BBC to take on responsibility for that concession, and it agreed to do so. That was clear to all in 2015. While the hon. Gentleman is on the subject of promises, perhaps he or one of his colleagues can explain what Labour’s view on this is. Labour Members criticise us for passing that commitment on to the BBC. Will the Labour party in government take it back? If so, how will it pay for it?

[Sir Desmond Swayne (New Forest West) (Con)]

With the exception of God’s grace, nothing should be free. It distorts markets and misallocates resources, doesn’t it?

[Jeremy Wright]

As ever, I admire my right hon. Friend’s ideological purity. It is important that we make sure the BBC continues to provide an excellent service to all those who watch television. That is what it is committed to doing, and it has agreed to take over responsibility for a very specific concession. It is one of many concessions, of course; the others remain entirely unaffected.

--- Later in debate ---

[The Attorney General]

The hon. and learned Lady, who is a lady of great distinction in the legal profession, knows quite well that I am bound by the Law Officers’ Convention. I realise why she is trying to tempt me to give fuller answers, but I cannot disclose either the fact or the substance of any advice that I may have given. As for her substantive question, I suggest that she address it to the Secretary of State.

[Sir Desmond Swayne (New Forest West) (Con)]

10. Whether he has had discussions with the Secretary of State for Justice on reforms to the oversight of solicitors.

[The Solicitor General (Robert Buckland)]

I have had regular meetings with the Secretary of State for Justice, in which we have discussed a range of policy matters including regulation of the legal professions. Legal services in England and Wales are independently regulated in accordance with the framework set out in the Legal Services Act 2007. Solicitors are regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority, which prosecutes solicitors and firms where necessary.

[Sir Desmond Swayne]

If the SRA cannot and will not compensate the EcoHouse investors, it is ripe for reform, is it not?

[The Solicitor General]

My right hon. Friend tempts me down a path leading to the SRA’s discretion with regard to compensation. I am grateful to him for raising an important issue that concerns many colleagues in the House. I think it best that we take these matters up not just with the Ministry of Justice, but with the SRA itself.