§ 81. Mr. Turner-Samuelsasked the Attorney-General whether he is aware that in applications for legal aid, under the Legal Aid and Advice Act, 1949, in proceedings for divorce, applicants are being asked to pay a sum as a contribution towards the cost of the proceedings larger than the sum for actual costs which the solicitor, acting without legal aid, would in the same case charge the petitioner; and what action he proposes to take to remedy this defect in the present administration of the scheme.
The Attorney-GeneralI would refer my hon. and learned Friend to my answer on 12th February to the hon. Member for Stoke Newington and Hackney, North (Mr. Weitzman). My noble Friend the Lord Chancellor has asked the Law Society to give their committees the guidance indicated in the latter part of that answer.
§ 86. Mr. Hopkinsonasked the Attorney-General at what date it is hoped to extend the provisions of the Legal Aid and Advice Act to those cases not heard in the High Court; and if he will give an estimate of the cost involved.
The Attorney-GeneralIt is not yet possible to forecast the date upon which any further part of the Legal Aid and Advice Act can be brought into force,228W and I am not able to forecast what would be the cost of any future extension of its provisions.