§ 36. Mr. Carlisleasked the Attorney-General what is the average cost of an undefended divorce case where the petitioner is legally aided; and what is the average remuneration received by a barrister in such a case.
§ The Attorney-GeneralThe average cost of an undefended divorce case where the petitioner is legally aided is £110 3s. 0d. Of this sum £18 12s. 0d. is attributable to counsel's fees, £65 to solicitor's charges and £26 11s. 0d. to disbursements.
§ Mr. CarlisleI thank the right hon. and learned Gentleman for that Answer. Would he not agree that as a barrister is responsible for drafting the petition and possibly a discretion statement as well as being responsible for conducting the case in court, his overall remuneration is not unreasonable? As it is proposed to attempt to save £400,000 by removing jurisdiction to the county court, what consideration has been given to achieving a similar saving while retaining jurisdiction for divorce in the High Court?
§ The Attorney-GeneralThe hon. Gentleman will not expect me to say that the remuneration paid to counsel is unreasonable, but we are concerned about the growing cost of undefended and defended divorce proceedings to the taxpayer by reason of the legal aid system, and I am sure that the hon. Gentleman shares our anxiety to tackle this problem. Consideration has been given to his suggestion, but I do not think that it meets the needs of the case.
§ Mr. William HamiltonIn view of the startling figures given in his original Answer, would my right hon. and learned Friend consider referring them to the Prices and Incomes Board?
§ The Attorney-GeneralNo, Sir.