§ 15. Brigadier Medlicottasked the Attorney-General how many persons not of British birth have been assisted in litigation under the legal aid scheme; and at what estimated total expense to the British taxpayer.
§ The Attorney-GeneralI regret that these figures are not available
§ Brigadier MedlicottCan my hon. and learned Friend say whether any other countries have given reciprocal rights to British subjects abroad?
§ The Attorney-GeneralThere are about 20 legal aid conventions with foreign countries, under which each party agrees to give subjects of the other country the same facilities for legal aid as are available to its own nationals.
§ 16. Brigadier Medlicottasked the Attorney-General if he is aware of the anxiety felt in the legal profession and amongst the general public at the emphasis upon litigation which has resulted from the introduction of the legal aid scheme in advance of the legal advice 1738 scheme; and if he will now initiate the introduction of the legal advice scheme and thus encourage the settlement of disputes by discussion rather than by litigation.
§ The Attorney-GeneralMy noble Friend the Lord Chancellor and I are aware of these views. The question of bringing into force the provisions relating to legal advice is one of the matters we are considering with a view to improving the scheme as a whole; but I am afraid that I cannot give any undertaking at present.
§ Brigadier MedlicottIs the learned Attorney-General aware that many people are of the opinion that the legal advice section of the scheme should have been brought into operation before the section which enables people to go to litigation, if only for the reason that nine times out of 10 the best legal advice is to keep out of litigation?
§ The Attorney-GeneralI am well aware of that fact.
§ Mr. HaleWill the hon. and learned Gentleman also bear in mind that there are two difficulties about this scheme at the moment? The first is the difficulty which Members of Parliament have in knowing who is responsible for each particular Department of the Administration—the Attorney-General, the Assistance Board, local law societies, and so on? The second is the fact that there have been an increasing number of complaints about the high levies for costs which are being made upon individual contributors of very small means. Would the hon. and learned Gentleman give the House an opportunity, at some time, of having a general debate on this otherwise excellent scheme?
§ The Attorney-GeneralI shall certainly see that those matters are considered. I should also like to say that whoever else is responsible it is news to me that the Attorney-General is responsible for the administration of the scheme.
§ Mr. HaleOn a point of explanation. I was referring to the difficulties of Members of Parliament, and the Attorney-General is the only person of whom we can ask questions.