§ Mr. Michael Brownasked the Attorney-General what was the total sum made available to the law centres funded by the Lord Chancellor's Department during the last year for which figures are available; and by what amount the total sum has risen or decreased since May 1979.
The Solicitor-GeneralThe last financial year for which final figures are available is 1979–80. In that year the total sum was £399,885, an increase of £87,790 over the figure of £312,095 for 1978–79. The final figure for 1980–81 is not yet available but is expected to be about £475,000.
§ Mr. Michael Brownasked the Attorney-General whether any guidelines have been issued to the law centres funded by the Lord Chancellor's Department; and if so, what are their main features.
The Solicitor-GeneralYes. Law centres receiving funds from the Lord Chancellor's Department should observe the guidelines on page 95 of the twenty-ninth "Legal Aid Annual Reports" (1978–79) (HC 309).
§ Mr. Michael Brownasked the Attorney-General what criteria are employed in assessing a law centre's claims for support from public funds.
The Solicitor-GeneralThe Lord Chancellor has no general responsibility for financing law centres. His Department continues at present to provide financial assistance to certain law centres which would otherwise have closed for lack of funds. Such law centres must also observe the guidelines referred to in my preceding answer to my hon. Friend.