§ Mr. Win GriffithsTo ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what was the total cost of publishing and printing form LBF August 1994 for the Legal Aid Board's advice at police stations standby claim; and when it was made available to all solicitors involved in legal aid work. [29651]
Mr. John M. TaylorThe cost of the new form "Advice at Police Stations Standby Claim" is £32.88 per 1,000 copies; the same as for the old form. A small supply of the new forms was sent out in July 1994 to all legal aid account holders, together with a letter informing them of the change and the implementation date of 1 August 1994.
§ Mr. GriffithsTo ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what was the total cost of publishing and printing the legal aid forms, advice at police stations standby claim in use up to August 1994; how many copies were scrapped as a result of adding a question to the form; what consideration was given to continuing the use of the old form for solicitors offices without a crime franchise; and if he will make a statement. [29550]
Mr. TaylorThe cost of printing the form in use prior to August 1994 was £32.88 per 1,000. When the new form was introduced, there were approximately 58,200 copies436W of the old form held in stock. The Legal Aid Board considered all aspects of the change, including whether the old forms could continue to be used. The board always aims to minimise the cost of such changes by amending forms at the same time that routine reprints are required. Forms are changed only when necessary to provide information required to control and manage the legal aid system effectively.