§ Mr. BercowTo ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what the size is of the eligibility package for legal aid for(a) 2001–02 and (b) 2002–03; and when it will take effect. [22551]
§ Ms Rosie WintertonChanges to the financial conditions for public funding were implemented on 3 December 2001 and will apply to new cases from that date. The cost of this package is £2.5 million this year (2001–02) and £10 million for 2002–03. We estimate that an additional 5 million people will become eligible to obtain publicly funded advice and assistance.