§ 2.36 p.m.
§ THE LORD CHANCELLOR (LORD HAILSHAM OF ST. MARYLEBONE)My Lords, I should like to correct an inaccuracy, or rather inconsistency, in my speech on the Legal Aid Regulations last Thursday. Looking at columns 828 and 830, I see I committed myself to the view that no one would be worse off as a result of the changes made by me to the draft Regulations laid on May 28 and subsequently withdrawn. As can be seen from the calculation at column 831, this is not accurate, although everyone affected by the changes will be better off than they were when they came into force. Comparing the amendments to the existing scheme now effected with those previously proposed on May 28, the average case will show no change, those with commitments below the average will be slightly better off, and those with commitments above the average slightly worse off than under the previous draft regulations. I must apologise to the House for the error, which was due to my misunderstanding of one feature of a complicated set of provisions.