§ Lord Hyltonasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether any towns and cities in England and Wales do not have "duty solicitors" available for consultation by arrested persons, and if so, which and why.
§ The Lord Chancellor (Lord Mackay of Clashfern)Advice and assistance at police stations is provided through 297 local committees under the Legal Aid Board. Lack of cover occurs where local committees have been unable to establish arrangements at police stations within their area. The local committees for the Abingdon, Ampthill, Feltham, Newcastle under Lyme, Staines and Sunbury, and Wisbech areas have been unable to provide cover at police stations within their area. A further 32 local committees at present provide cover at some but not all police stations in their areas. In total advice and assistance is available at 95 per cent. of police stations.