§ Mr. GillTo ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department in what circumstances and under what provisions legal aid can be refused to Mr. Gerry Adams in his application for judicial review against the British Government; and what changes in the law are necessary to prevent Mr. Gerry Adams from claiming legal aid in his application for judicial review.
Mr. John M. TaylorAll applicants for civil legal aid must pass a test of their financial means and of the merits of their case if they are to be awarded legal aid by the Legal Aid Board. Legal aid will be refused if the applicant is unable to satisfy either of these tests. The statutory basis 727W for the grant of legal aid is the Legal Aid Act 1988 and the regulations made under it. Mr. Adams will be treated in the same way as any other applicant for legal aid. Any changes in the law relating to legal aid are made only when it seems sensible to do so in respect of all applicants.