§ Mr. Arthur Lewisasked the Attorney-General whether he is aware of the concern felt by the general public at the level of fees and payments made to the legal profession, the cost of obtaining justice, and the fact that poor people are often denied justice because of their lack of financial resources; and whether he will recommend the appointment of a Royal Commission to investigate all these matters.
§ Mr. Arthur Lewisasked the Attorney-General whether he is aware that during the recent legal cases affecting the five imprisoned dockers four counsel shared £3,078 for 14 days' work; and whether, during his negotiations and discussions with the Trades Union Congress and Confederation of British Industry for wage and salary restraint, he will propose some 189W action to reduce the fees and legal charges made by the legal profession.
§ The Attorney-GeneralOn the point of fact in the hon. Gentleman's Question I would refer the hon. Member to the answers to his Questions on 17th October, 24th October and 6th November, 1972. The Government's measures to deal with inflation announced in the House on Monday by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister, details of which were given in the White Paper Cmnd. 5125, apply to professional fees as well as to other employment incomes.—[Vol. 843, c.59–60 and 266; Vol. 845, c. 71.]