§ Mr. Tony Banksasked the Attorney-General what are the reasons for the delay in the implementation of the local 24-hour duty solicitor schemes in the Metropolitan police area.
§ The Attorney-GeneralThere are substantial viariations in coverage of the 24-hour scheme within the Metropolitan Police Area. South of the Thames coverage is 75 per cent. overall; in the two regions north of the river it is 15 per cent. and 31 per cent. overall respectively. This is due to a shortage of solicitors in these areas prepared or available to participate. I understand that the Law Society, which is responsible for administering the scheme, is now confident that it is making substantial progress in overcoming these difficulties.