§ 29. Mr. Willisasked the Secretary of State for Scotland when he expects to complete his review of the provisions for legal aid in criminal proceedings.
§ Mr. Brooman-WhiteI am not in a position to add to the replies given by 1165 my right hon. Friend to the Questions asked on 13th June by the hon. Member for Dumbartonshire, West (Mr. Steele).
§ Mr. WillisIs the hon. Gentleman not aware that they were most unsatisfactory Answers? Surely he can give us some indication when he expects to complete his review? Is he not aware that the present system is in great danger of breaking down because of the lack of money? Is it not intolerable that Scotland should be placed in this position when England has been placed in a much better one long ago? Will not he do something about it?
§ Mr. Brooman-WhiteYes, but it is a very difficult question. The hon. Member will realise that the Guthrie Committee was not unanimous over the difficult question of financial eligibility for legal aid.