HC Deb 06 April 1954 vol 526 cc169-70
14. Mrs. Cullen

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will introduce legislation to amend the Legal Aid Act so that old-age pensioners in receipt of National Assistance can be defended in cases where they are sued by landlords for increased rents.

Mr. Henderson Stewart

Unless they have considerable capital, old-age pensioners in receipt of National Assistance already come within an income range which would make them eligible to apply for legal aid in defending any action brought against them in the Sheriff Court.

Mrs. Cullen

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that there are quite likely to be a large number of cases coming before the courts, and does he think that the legal aid system will be able to cope with them?

Mr. Stewart

If the hon. Lady will give us examples, we shall very carefully and sympathetically look into them.