HC Deb 06 February 1980 vol 978 cc226-7W
34. Mr. Foulkes

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement on the provision of legal aid for pursuing Scottish legal cases in courts in England.

Mr. Rifkind

Where a Scottish pursuer wishes to institute or follow up proceedings before an English court, legal aid would he available under the English legal aid scheme. This, however, is a matter for my noble and learned Friend the Lord Chancellor.

Mr. Gordon Wilson

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what consultations he has had regarding the availability of legal aid in Scotland.

Mr. Rifkind

My right hon. Friend has not undertaken any recent formal consultations, but he is always willing to consider constructive suggestions for improvement of the legal aid scheme. He will, of course, give careful consideration to any recommendations which may be made in this field by the Royal Commission on legal services in Scotland.