§ 38. Mr. Dubsasked the Attorney-General whether it will be open to the legal aid review committee to propose savings in expenditure; and whether he has any particular areas in mind.
§ The Solicitor-GeneralYes, Sir, and it will be for the committee itself to select the areas of review.
§ Mr. DubsIs the Solicitor-General aware that there is widespread concern at the apparent intention of the 671 Government to cut eligibility for legal aid for the first time since the scheme was introduced? Does he realise that the Law Society and many other bodies have expressed their dismay at the proposal, which is likely to lead to a cut in the right to legal representation for poor people, especially those with families? Can that really be the Government's intention?
§ The Solicitor-GeneralI think that the hon. Gentleman is referring to the announcement that was made about dependants last week. The Government keep the working of the legal aid scheme under review at all times, and not only when special review teams are established. There are no plans for further changes in eligibility at present. The reduction in dependants' allowances will in a small way moderate the rate of growth of legal aid expenditure. It still remains true that expenditure in the next financial year on legal aid will exceed that for the present year by far more than can be accounted for by inflation
§ Mr. AshbyHas my hon. and learned Friend read the Coopers and Lybrand report on the remuneration of the Bar? Is he aware of the widespread unrest at the Bar? Does he understand that the Bar is most unhappy at the refusal even to negotiate with it and with the attempt to impose a 5 per cent. increase in fees? Does my hon. and learned Friend want to be responsible for the destruction of the Bar?
§ The Solicitor-GeneralTempting though it is, it is not for me to comment upon a matter that is now before the courts.