§ Lynne JonesTo ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department, pursuant to her answer of 7 May 2002,Official Report, column 72W, on immigration advice, how many of the matter starts have been used in each area; and what the policy of the LSC is as to the balance between solicitors and not-for-profit agencies in the award of contracts. [57548]
§ Ms Rosie WintertonThe figures provided in the answer of 7 May 2002,Official Report, column 72W, were for the number of new matter starts or hours allocated for the financial year 1 April 2002 to 31 March 2003. Solicitors' firms and not-for-profit organisations report their matter starts on a monthly basis, at the end of each month. It then takes up to one month for all the figures to be processed, so figures for April 2002 are not yet available. The figures for the whole of the financial year will not be known until after April 2003.
409WIt is the Commission's policy to let contracts to solicitors' firms or not-for-profit organisations, or both, depending on the extent and location of the need for services, and to those best able to provide a comprehensive and accessible service. The Commission has no preference for not-for-profit organisations over solicitors' firms or vice versa.
The Commission is currently reviewing its bid rules, and expects to release a consultation paper early in June.