§ 36. Mr. Austin MitchellTo ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what proposals he has for a national network of law centres. [4672]
§ Mr. Jonathan EvansThe Lord Chancellor recognises the importance and great value of the work which is done by law centres and other advice agencies. In his Green Paper on legal aid, he has proposed that such agencies should be able to bid for legal aid contracts to provide advice and assistance in their areas of expertise. The Lord Chancellor intends to make an announcement on the future of the Green Paper proposals next year.
Work on the regulations which will bring into force section 166 of the Pensions Act 1995 has highlighted certain complex issues requiring further thought. To ensure that these issues are fully considered and that consultees have sufficient time to comment on the proposals, the Government are now aiming to bring into force section 166 on 1 July 1996.