Law firms 'facing discrimination'

Mr Vaz is concerned about the number of firms being closed

An MP has called for an inquiry into why a disproportionate number of black and Asian law firms are being closed by their regulatory body.

Keith Vaz, chairman of the Home Affairs Select Committee, has asked the justice secretary to examine the practices of the Solicitors Regulation Authority.

Mr Vaz believes black and Asian lawyers have "clear merit in the allegations of racism and harassment".

The SRA agrees there is cause for concern but denies discrimination.

'Deeply concerned'

Mr Vaz says he is deeply concerned that disproportionate numbers of ethnic minority lawyers are being investigated by the SRA.

In a letter to Justice Secretary Jack Straw, he says he was shocked to learn the boss of the SRA couldn't explain the reason behind the over-representation.

One lawyer has told the BBC how his firm was investigated over a complaint involving an £18 taxi fare and that he had to spend almost £14,000 defending himself before the case was dropped.

But his biggest concern is the high ratio of ethnic minority firms being closed down by the SRA.

The authority says there is cause for concern but disputes the degree of over-representation and denies discrimination.