§ Mr. Martinasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is satisfied with the operation of section 18(2) of the Legal Aid (Scotland) Act 1967 so far as it applies to disclosure of information to him by the Law Society of Scotland in cases of major public importance or where costs are substantial.
§ Mr. AncramI am satisfied that section 18(2) does not operate to prevent the disclosure of information to my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State where this is necessary for the proper performance of his functions under the Act.
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§ Mr. Martinasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he is satisfied with the parliamentary accountability of public funds expended under the legal aid system in Scotland.
§ Mr. AncramProcedures for the assessment and taxation of legal aid accounts are designed to ensure that where a legal aid certificate is granted expenditure is properly incurred. My right hon. Friend will be reviewing the arrangements in the light of his powers under the legal aid legislation.