§ 66. Major Gatesasked the Attorney-General whether His Majesty's Government is contemplating extending the provisions of the legal aid schemes, now in operation in the three Services, to personnel recently discharged from those Services and who, since their return to this country and discharge, have discovered grounds for divorce, but that the present cost of divorce procedure is beyond their financial resources.
§ The Solicitor-GeneralNo, Sir, the scheme to which the hon. Member refers would not be appropriate to civilians. Members of the Forces, after discharge, may apply as civilians for the facilities provided by the Poor Persons Procedure. The question whether those facilities should be modified or improved is under consideration by the Committee now siting under the Chairmanship of Lord Rushcliffe.
Mr. AstorCan the hon. and learned Gentleman say how soon a decision will be reached, as the Attorney-General has agreed that cases have shown that there are people who fall between the Poor Persons Procedure Act and the normal procedure, and who cannot get any redress?
§ The Solicitor-GeneralThe Committee is sitting, and I cannot say how soon it will report, but the question of the income group to which my hon. Friend refers is very much in everyone's mind at the present time.