§ 11. Sir E. Erringtonasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether, in view of the doubts that exist, he will draw the attention of all concerned to the rules and regulations relating to the conditions under which legal aid in criminal cases can be given by magistrates' courts; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. BrookeI am not aware of any general difficulties, but I would gladly consider any particular difficulty that my hon. Friend may have in mind.
§ Sir E. ErringtonIn view of the considerable extensions under the new Regulations which came into force on 1st April, and the potentially considerable cost this involves, may I ask my right hon. Friend whether he will draw the attention of all concerned to Section 18 (3) of the 1949 Act, which requires a written statement, with appropriate punishment for false statements? I do not think that the attention of magistrates has been called to that.
§ Mr. BrookeThe courts have been informed of the changes, which took effect on 1st April, in the conditions under which legal aid may be granted. I shall consider the points made by my hon. Friend, but I hope that his public-spirited action in calling attention to this in the House may have the requisite effect.