§ Mr. VazTo ask the Attorney-General how many duty solicitors' schemes have been established in England and Wales for each year over the last 10 years; how many have ceased to exist; how many are still in operation; and if he will list the areas concerned.
§ The Attorney-GeneralThe information is not available in the form requested.
Legal aid legislation has provided for duty solicitors at magistrates' courts since 1983 and at police stations since 1986. Cover has been established at 488 magistrates' courts and 1,780 police stations. Where cover ceases the Legal Aid Board seeks to restore it as soon as possible. Duty solicitor cover has ceased, but has not yet been restored, at four police stations: Hatfield, St. Albans, Welwyn Garden City and Sevenoaks.