§ Mr. Simon HughesTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a further statement on the aftermath of the grounding of the MV "Braer".
§ Sir Hector Monro[holding answer 3 February 1993]: Follow-up action to the Shetland oil spill received the highest priority. The Government's bridging fund for businesses facing economic hardship is now in place; the health survey of people living in the vicinity has started; the remit and chairman, Professor William Ritchie, of the ecological steering group have been announced and the remaining membership will be shortly; and the fishery exclusion zone has been extended. The Government will continue to ensure that all necessary steps are taken.
846Wmembers of the Scottish Legal Aid Board. The board itself and its legal aid committee submitted advice to my right hon. Friend on the proposed changes to eligibility for advice and assistance.
§ Mrs. EwingTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will publish the gross payments for civil legal aid in each financial year since 1987–88; and if he will show each year's figure in real terms, using 1987–88 at base 100.
§ Lord James Douglas-HamiltonThe table shows(a) the gross expenditure on civil legal aid in each year since 1987–88, including actual expenditure in 1992–93 to January 1993 and estimated expenditure for the full year 1992–93; and (b) the same figures revalued where appropriate in line with the GDP deflator and expressed on a 1987–88 base of 100.