§ 35. Mr. Clinton Davisasked the Attorney-General when the Government propose to review the financial limits of eligibility for civil legal aid.
§ The Attorney-GeneralThe Legal Aid Advisory Committee, in its 21st report which was published on 14th June, recommended increases in the capital limits of the Legal Aid Scheme. These recommendations are under consideration. The Committee stated that it intended to consider the income limits with a view to making recommendations in its next report.
§ Mr. DavisCan the right hon. and learned Gentleman indicate when the next report is likely to be published, and when the Government intend to act on the report on capital limits? Is he aware that a great number of hardships are caused because the income limits are so stringent according to our current living standards?
§ The Attorney-GeneralConsultations are going on at present. As the hon. Gentleman appreciates, the report was received only on 14th June. Some of the recommendations would involve legislation. I cannot at present advise him when we can expect the next report of the advisory committee.
§ Mr. S. C. SilkinIs the Attorney-General aware that there is still time—though maybe only just—for the Legal Advice and Assistance Bill to be amended in another place? We asked for the Bill to be amended to increase these limits when it was in this House. Will the Attorney-General take steps to see that this is done in another place rather than wait perhaps another year?
§ The Attorney-GeneralAs I said, these recommendations were published only on 14th June and would increase the financial limits very considerably in certain circumstances. In those circumstances, I think that it is unreasonable to suggest that steps could be taken so swiftly.
§ 36. Mr. Clinton Davisasked the Attorney-General what proposals he has for a national advertising campaign in connection with the implementation of the Legal Advice and Assistance Bill.
§ The Attorney-GeneralThe Law Societies of England and Scotland are formulating, in consultation with the Central Office of Information, proposals for a national campaign advertising the provisions of the Legal Advice and Assistance Bill.
§ Mr. DavisDoes the Attorney-General's Department intend to offer some financial assistance in all this, or is some other Government Department prepared to do so? Unless substantial publicity is afforded to many of these valuable new proposals, the take up is likely to be very low indeed, and that would impair the whole efficacy and value of the scheme.
§ The Attorney-GeneralI agree on the importance of publicising the scheme, and proposals are being considered at the moment for advertising in the national Press, for television advertising and for a poster campaign. All these matters are under active consideration. I repeat that I share the hon. Gentleman's view about the importance of seeing that they are properly publicised.