Legal Services Bill [HL]

I am disappointed to hear what the Minister has just said, as will be all the members of the Joint Committee. The noble and learned Lord the Lord Chancellor used ““rightly””. It is all well and good to say that consumers may see the Lord Chief Justice, "““as another lawyer in the process””," but he said that they, "““rightly see the Lord Chief Justice … as another lawyer in the process””.—[Official Report, 6/12/06; col. 1164.]" I do not see how any other interpretation can be drawn. The Minister said that, having read it all, she is sure that the noble and learned Lord the Lord Chancellor did not really mean what we say he meant, but he did say ““rightly””. I hope that he will participate in our debates at some stage and take the opportunity to put the record straight. I also hope that the Minister is not closing the door as she appeared to indicate, but is prepared to reflect on the considerable body of opinion that has been expressed in this Committee. Many more could have participated but we have already had 45 minutes and that is long enough. I hope that she will still think about the points that have been made.