§ 53. Mr. G. LOCKER-LAMPSONasked the Prime Minister whether the Governmen will consider the question of enabling persons with limited incomes to obtain the services of a public defender in the Courts of law?
§ Sir G. HEWARTMy right hon. Friend has asked me to reply to this question. It is not clear whether the hon. Member's question refers to criminal or to civil procedure. If it refers to the former, means exist whereby poor prisoners can obtain professional assistance gratuitously under the Poor Prisoners Defence Act, 1903, and, failing this, by the direct action of the judge trying the case. If it refers to the 1124 latter, a system was established some four years ago whereby poor persons can obtain special assistance in civil cases in the High Court, and the working of this system is at present under the consideration of a Committee presided over by Mr. Justice P. O. Lawrence.
§ Mr. LOCKER-LAMPSONMay I ask my right hon. Friend, in regard to the civil side, whether it is not the fact that they have to be penniless before they get any assistance?
§ Sir G. HEWARTI am certainly not aware of that.