§ 38. Mr. Fletcher-Cookeasked the Attorney-General how much of the fund of £48,000 set aside under the Legal Aid Act, 1964, to satisfy the costs of non-legally aided persons engaged in litigation with legally-aided persons, was paid out in 1965 and 1966, respectively.
§ The Attorney-General (Sir Elwyn Jones)£216 in 1965 and £117 to 30th November, 1966.
§ Mr. Fletcher-CookeDo not these tiny figures show that the good purpose of the Act is being defeated in its operation? Will the right hon. and learned Gentleman consider amending the Act to allow more to get through, because otherwise it will become a dead letter?
§ The Attorney-GeneralThe main reason for the smallness of the figures is, I think, the very large success of legally-aided proceedings. But the provisions of the law certainly are restrictive. They have to be construed by the courts. My noble Friend will gladly look at them in the light of what the hon. Member has said.
§ Mr. HoosonCan the Attorney-General say how many applications were made under these heads and how many were refused?
§ The Attorney-GeneralNot without notice.