News In Focus
23 August 2010
Pressure mounts for McConville inquiry
Calls are growing for a full inquiry into the handling of money intended as compensation for former miners, by Glasgow personal injury lawyer Paul McConville.
Mr McConville is being investigated by the Law Society of Scotland over complaints that he mishandled more than £2m, intended for clients, from the Coal Liabilities Unit, a Government-backed scheme to compensate miners for health problems caused by their work.
Lindsay Roy MP, the Labour member for Glenrothes, has called for Energy Secretary Chris Huhne, whose department was ultimately responsible for the payments, to investigate allegations that the unit failed to keep tabs on funds given to Mr McConville or ensure they were being passed on to his clients.
The solicitor was declared bankrupt last year, following action taken by HMRC, which also triggered his suspension by the Law Society.
So far though, the Government has resisted calls for a full inquiry. A spokesperson for the Department for Energy and Climate Change, said: “As the defendant is in legal proceedings, it is not appropriate for us to instigate any into the conduct of solicitors chosen by claimants themselves to represent them.
“That said, we will continue to offer assistance to the Law Society of Scotland over any inquiries it makes. We will also continue to cooperate with the police should they continue in their inquiries.”