§ Mr. Kilroy-Silkasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what percentage of juveniles appeared before courts unrepresented in the last year for which figures are available; how many of these pleaded guilty; and if there has been any significant increase in the percentage of juveniles represented since 1970.
§ Mr. JohnInformation in the form requested is not readily available. It is estimated that the proportion of persons aged under 17 proceeded against in magistrates' courts who were represented under a legal aid order was 5 per cent. in 1970 and 20 per cent. in 1975. It is not known how many were legally represented at their own expense.