HC Deb 26 May 1965 vol 713 cc83-4W
39. Mr. Goodhew

asked the Minister without portfolio if he is aware that, in certain circumstances, foreigners living outside the jurisdiction of the English courts are entitled to legal aid to enable them to fight actions in this country; and if he will take steps to stop this.

Sir Eric Fletcher

The granting of legal aid, regardless of a person's nationality or residence, has been regarded as being in the interests of justice since long before our present legal aid scheme was authorised by the Legal Aid and Advice Act, 1949, and I should not be in favour of curtailing it.