§ 25. Mr. Dempseyasked the Secretary of State for Scotland when he proposes to review the operation and administration of the legal aid scheme in view of apparent anomalies; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Harry EwingThe legal aid, advice and assistance schemes are kept under review as a matter of course, but I am always willing to look into any anomalies which may be brought to my attention.
§ Mr. DempseyIs my hon. Friend aware that included in a number of letters on this subject which I have recently received I have one from a constituent who has take-home pay of £34 and who pays alimony and lodging expenses, yet was turned down for legal aid? Does that case not contrast with the case of the official in the regional council of Strathclyde who has an income of nearly £15,000 and owns his own home but who has been granted legal aid? Is it not time that this anomaly was overcome and that the whole system was democratised and handed over to the elected district councils, with full-time legal services to advise them, so that we might make progress?
§ Mr. EwingI am not aware of the first case to which my hon. Friend referred. If he will send details to me, I shall examine the matter. On the second case to which he referred, my hon. Friend the Member for Bothwell (Mr. Hamilton) took up the matter with me as soon as it was made public. I have written to my hon. Friend explaining the reasons for the decision in that case.