§ 36. Mr. Fisherasked the Attorney-General whether he will take steps to reduce the cost of litigation to those not entitled to legal aid.
§ The Attorney-General (Sir Elwyn Jones)My noble Friend the Lord Chancellor is always anxious to take whatever steps are practicable to reduce the cost of litigation. For example, a committee was recently set up under the chairmanship of Lord Justice Winn to consider the possibility of introducing a simpler 396 and more speedy procedure for the trial of actions for personal injuries. The Law Commission is also considering simplification of the law in various fields. Other action is also under consideration.
§ Mr. FisherWould the right hon. and learned Gentleman agree that, although British justice is absolutely fair, it is so expensive if one loses in the High Court that only the richest and the poorest in the land can afford to go to the High Court? What positive proposals has he for dealing with this strange but in some ways very serious problem?
§ The Attorney-GeneralI think the comparable figures will show that the cost of administration of justice in this country, both to the State and to the litigant, is probably less than that in any comparable legal system, but I have indicated certain measures which my noble Friend is contemplating. This is very much in our minds.
§ Mr. ShinwellHow long is this consideration going to continue? When are we going to get some action to prevent lawyers, barristers and solicitors from getting away with the swag?
§ The Attorney-GeneralLawyers receive reasonable remuneration for the indispensable work they do.