§ Mr. Arthur Lewisasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will introduce the necessary legislation to enable a judge to order the payment of all legal costs of any trial where a person is found guilty, where after legal aid has been granted it can be subsequently shown that the convicted person has assets which were not revealed at the commencement of the criminal proceedings.
§ Mr. CarlisleThe existing legislation enables the court at the conclusion of the trial to order the defendant to pay the costs of the prosecution or to make a contribution towards the costs of his legal aid. My right hon. Friend has no proposals for further legislation in mind.
§ Mr. Arthur Lewisasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will give the total costs to public funds of all aspects connected with the Kray twins arrest and trial; and to what extent those found guilty were granted legal aid and made contributions towards the legal costs.
§ Mr. CarlisleIn the proceedings referred to by the hon. Member there were 28 defendants, including Reginald and Ronald Kray, and six indictments. The total ascertainable costs to public funds of the committal proceedings, trials and appeals was £152,771 15s. 7d. All 28 defendants were granted legal aid. A contribution order for £374 was made against one defendant and was paid.