§ 18. Mr. W. BAKERasked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that the Report of the Poor Persons Rules Committee, presided over by Mr. Justice P. O. Lawrence, recommended, and the Poor Persons Rules provide, legal aid in the High Court for only one out of the three classes of poor persons requiring legal aid in order to secure justice in such Court; and whether he will consider whether the scope of the inquiry by the Committee 556 appointed by him as to legal aid to the poor, and presided over by Mr. Justice Finlay, may be enlarged so as to enable that Committee to consider an alteration of the present practice and rules with regard to the poor and the administration of justice in the High Court?
§ The SOLICITOR -GENERAL (Sir Thomas Inskip)I have been asked to reply. Mr. Justice Lawrence's Committee dealt only with litigants in civil proceedings in the Supreme Court. Mr. Justice Finlay's Committee deals with persons who are parties to proceedings, whether civil or criminal, in other Courts. I am not prepared to recommend any extension of the terms of reference to that Committee.