HC Deb 25 October 1954 vol 531 cc1575-6
10. Mr. Silverman

asked the Attorney-General whether he has considered the observations of the learned Law Lords in the case of Anderson versus Lambie relating to the hardship caused to a legally-assisted litigant who, successful in the Court of Appeal, is taken on appeal to the House of Lords, where he fails; and whether he will take steps to make the Legal Aid and Advice Act operative in such cases.

The Attorney-General

I have nothing to add to the reply which I gave to the hon. and learned Member for West Ham, South (Mr. Elwyn Jones), except that I have read the judgment referred to in the hon. Member's Question. This matter is being considered as part of the question of extending the application of the Legal Aid and Advice Act. The question of extension of legal aid to the House of Lords will naturally be considered, as will be the question of its extension to the county courts.

Mr. Silverman

I am much obliged to the Attorney-General. Does he appreciate that the point raised in this Question is a rather narrow and special one, which surely could be very well answered affirmatively, even if close consideration of the general question should result in a negative answer? It is a very special and limited class of case in which a great deal of injustice may unnecessarily be done.