§ 33 Schedule 1, page 36, line 6, leave out 'made by the Lord Chancellor under this Act'.
§ 34 Page 36, line 9, at end insert 'and shall make such arrangements for the delegation of functions to committees and persons as may be prescribed'.
§ 35 Page 36, line 10, at beginning insert 'Subject to anything in regulations'.
§ The Lord ChancellorMy Lords, I beg to move that the House do agree with the Commons in their Amendments Nos. 33 to 35 en bloc. It has always been the Government's intention that the board should continue to establish area committees of practising solicitors and barristers to hear appeals against the refusal of civil legal aid. This is the important effect of ensuring the continuation of the involvement of the profession in decisions on the grant of legal aid. It had been our intention to leave the establishment of such committees to the board as an administrative task. However, on reflection, and in recognition of the importance which many people attach to the continuation of the area committees, it would seem sensible to take the power to provide for the establishment of such committees in regulations. These amendments give the necessary regulation- 1213 making powers. I commend the amendments to your Lordships.
§ Moved, That the House do agree with the Commons in their Amendments Nos. 33 to 35. (The Lord Chancellor.)
§ On Question, Motion agreed to.