§ 3. Mr. Liptonasked the Attorney-General what action he will take to expedite the hearing of accident claims under legal aid, in view of a case last week which arose from an accident in 1957.
§ The Attorney-GeneralMy noble Friend the Lord Chancellor is making inquiries about this matter and I cannot yet say whether any action is called for.
§ Mr. LiptonIn view of the remarks of Mr. Justice Paull in the High Court last week, is not there evidence to suggest that some solicitors are not pursuing the cases of their legally-aided clients with the diligence that they show in respect of private and public clients? Has not the time come when the Chancellor and the Law Society should take some action in respect of those solicitors who are letting down their legally-aided clients?
§ The Attorney-GeneralThe general impression is that those who are legally aided are better looked after by the solicitors, for good reasons which I can explain to the hon. Gentleman afterwards. Since this matter has been made public and the comments made by Mr. Justice Paull, the Lord Chancellor is looking into the matter to see whether there is anything in the allegations which requires action by him.