§ Mr. Alfred Morrisasked the Attorney-General when the Government will be responding to the findings of the 24W Benson committee, Cmnd. 7648, of October 1979 and in particular to the committee's recommendation that law centres be nationally funded.
The Solicitor-GeneralThe Royal Commission on legal services' recommendations represent a long-term programme. They must be considered in the light of prevailing circumstances, including the availability of resources: decisions are being taken whenever these permit. In particular, responsibility for criminal legal aid has been transferred to the Lord Chancellor. No decision has been taken on the funding of law centres.