§ Mr. Parkasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what was the cost in 1967 and 1968, and at the latest available date, of the free legal aid scheme, in: (a) criminal proceedings, (b) magistrates' courts, and (c) higher courts.
§ Dr. SummerskillThe total expenditure on legal aid in criminal proceedings for the financial years 1967–68, 1968–69 and 1977–78 was as follows:
Magistrates courts Higher courts £ £ 1967–68 791,127 2,655,999 1968–69 1,205,058 3,063,748 1977–78 20,942.142 23,641,939 The scheme has been contributory since 1st October 1968. The amount received in contributions in 1977–78 was £1,333,908.
Legal aid in civil proceedings is a matter for my right hon. and learned Friend the Lord Chancellor.