§ 2. Mr. Cordleasked the Attorney-General whether he is aware of the statement on 8th May by Mr. Justice Finnemore, at Birmingham Assizes, that under the present law the State is able to support one party with legal aid but is not able to support to the full extent a successful defendant; and whether he will introduce legislation to correct this anomaly.
§ The Attorney-GeneralI am aware of the statement. My noble Friend the Lord Chancellor is considering the problem of the costs of the successful opponent of an assisted person, but I regret that I cannot at present add anything to the Answers I have previously given on this subject.
§ Mr. CordleIs not my right hon. and learned Friend aware that Mr. Justice Finnemore described this anomaly as a grave injustice to wholly innocent people, as a blot on the system, and said that it was time that something was done about it?
§ The Attorney-GeneralI am aware of those observations and of many others on the same subject.