Congratulations to Tim Readman and his supporters for calling for a ballot on referral fees (see [2004] Gazette, 10 June, 1).

I have not spoken to a single conveyancing solicitor who thought payment of referral fees was a good idea and I note the experience of Peter Morgan (see [2004] Gazette, 4 June, 14).

I would suggest his case is the tip of the potential iceberg.

To my mind, the official Law Society line of 'the new rules on referral fees offer increased protection for the public and greater clarity for the profession' borders on the disingenuous.

I fail to see how the public will be protected by the payment of conveyancing referral fees.

Surely the potential for conflict of interest between the interests of the client and the introducing agents is tremendous.

Greater clarity for the profession can be obtained by maintaining and enforcing the original ban on payment of referral fees.

I trust the request for a postal ballot will be successful, and if it is I call on all conveyancing solicitors to vote in favour of maintaining the original ban on payment of referral fees.

Steven Parry, solicitor, Chester