§ 7. Mr. PETHICK-LAWRENCEasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps the Government are proposing to take to give effect to the Finlay Committee Reports on legal aid for poor persons?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for the HOME DEPARTMENT (Sir William Joynson-Hicks)Several recommendations in the First Report were given effect to by the Poor Prisoners (Counsel and Solicitor) Rules No. 537 of 1927, and the Costs of Poor Prisoners Defence Regulations No. 538 of 1927, which were sent to all Courts with Home Office letters, calling attention also to the recommendation in paragraph 13 as to the desirability of early grant of legal aid in criminal proceedings. Other recommendations in the First Report require further consideration and I fear I shall not be able to propose legislation during this busy Session. The recommendation in the Final Report is for the Lord Chancellor to consider, and I understand that my Noble Friend has been in communication with the Law Society upon it.