HL Deb 20 December 2004 vol 667 c112WA
Lord Hylton

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Why the Legal Services Commission requires solicitors to complete a four-page form before they can obtain legal aid to visit Immigration Act detainees. [HL288]

Baroness Ashton of Upholland

Funding for legal aid is available only to individuals who pass the statutory means and merits tests. The legal help form is an essential record demonstrating that the client is eligible for legal aid. A solicitor may claim for travel costs to visit a client in detention before the form is completed.