§ Mr. BurnettTo ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what research his Department has conducted into the requirement, in terms of the likely success or merits of a case, for the instigation of civil proceedings by a litigant; what criteria correspond to current usual practice; and if he will make a statement. [13772]
§ Mr. HoonThe decision whether to litigate and the criteria applied to judge the likely success or merits of the case are matters for the client on the professional advice of his lawyer if he has one. I have not commissioned research into this specific area but my Department has commissioned a number of research projects which look generally at why people choose to litigate.
50Wplanning authority for public transport for Wales under the remit of the Welsh Assembly; and if he will make a statement. [13172]
§ Mr. HainThere is no strategic planning authority for public transport for Wales. However, the Government are currently consulting on an integrated transport policy. The Government's policy on devolution is that the Welsh Assembly will take over virtually all the functions of the Secretary of State for Wales. The functions, including those with respect to public transport, will be set out in an order that will be made under the Act which establishes the Assembly.