§ Mr. BoatengTo ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department within what period he expects to introduce competitive tendering for legal aid franchises.
Mr. John M. TaylorAny such developments will be discussed with the Legal Aid Board and the legal profession. No timetable has been set.
§ Mr. BoatengTo ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department on how many occasions the issue of competitive tendering for franchises to undertake legal200W aid work has been discussed with members and officials of the Legal Aid Board (a) by Ministers in the Lord Chancellor's Department and (b) officials.
Mr. John M. TaylorThe board has been kept in touch with the Lord Chancellor's thinking on the development of the legal aid scheme in the longer term, but no formal discussions have been held on competitive tendering.
§ Mr. FraserTo ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department whether it is the intention of the Lord Chancellor to seek compulsory competitive tendering of legal aid work.
Mr. John M. TaylorCompetitive tendering may be an appropriate longer-term arrangement for the provision of certain publicly funded legal services. The Legal Aid Board and the legal profession will be consulted at the appropriate time.