HC Deb 25 May 1999 vol 332 cc134-5W
37. Mr. Ben Chapman

To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what representations he has received on the impact of his proposals to increase access to justice on poorer people. [84166]

Mr. Vaz

The Lord Chancellor's Department has received representations from a wide range of individuals and interested organisations on all aspects of access to justice.

Mr. Luff

To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what steps he is taking to maintain access to justice for rural communities. [84168]

Mr. Vaz

Once the Regional Legal Service Committees have established the legal needs of their particular communities, the Legal Service Commission will purchase, as far as possible within the financial resources available, the most appropriate quality assured legal service to meet those needs. Provision and need will then continue to be monitored by the Regional Legal Service Committees for both level and standards of service and adjusted appropriately. Additionally, if necessary, special provision can be made, such as solicitors having to travel to their clients, and the use of telephone advice and outreach services is also being developed to improve access to justice for all.