§ Mr. MichaelTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales what assessment he has made of the implications of the impending changes in the legal aid system in respect of the working practices and financial commitments of(a) health authorities in Wales, (b) his Department and (c) patients in Wales in regard to situations where individuals believe they have suffered through medical negligence.
§ Mr. Nicholas BennettNone of the proposals for change in the legal aid provisions about which the Lord Chancellor is consulting should affect working practices in health authorities or in the Department. The effect, if at all, which any changes may have on financial commitments is very difficult to assess with any degree of accuracy since the incidence of medical negligence is so variable. Nevertheless, it is our view that where people suffer loss or damage resulting from negligence they must be adequately compensated. The proposals for widening the scope of the legal aid provisions to those who may be currently ineligible are to be welcomed and will enhance the ability of patients to seek redress where previously financial considerations may have militated against commencing action.