HC Deb 30 July 1975 vol 896 cc524-5W
Mr. Mike Thomas

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what, in the latest available period of time, were the numbers of legal aid contribution orders made in criminal cases at Newcastle, Gateshead and Wallsend magistrates' courts, respectively.

Mr. Alexander W. Lyon

The number of legal aid contribution orders made at Newcastle, Gateshead and Wallsend magistrates' courts in 1973, which is the latest year for which figures are available, was as follows:

Legal Aid Contribution Orders—1973
Magistrates' Court Number
Newcastle
Gateshead 40
Wallsend 2

Mr. Mike Thomas

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what, in the latest available period of time, were the numbers of legal aid applications in criminal cases at Newcastle, Gateshead and Wallsend magistrates' courts, respectively; how many were successful in (a) the first instance (b) on fresh application being made in open court; in how many of the remaining unsuccessful applications the accused subsequently elected to be tried at the Crown Court; and how many of those who so elected were granted legal aid at the Crown Court.

Mr. Alexander W. Lyon

I regret that the information is not available in the form requested.

The following information relates to applications to the Newcastle, Gateshead and Wallsend magistrates' courts for legal aid for proceedings before the magistrates' court, for appeals to the Crown Court and for persons committed to the Crown Court.

LEGAL AID APPLICATIONS AND ORDERS 1973
Magistrates' Court Applications for legal aid Legal aid ordered
Newcastle 2,327 1,994
Gateshead 727 697
Wallsend 234 224