HC Deb 27 May 1957 vol 571 cc6-7W
60. Mr. Elwyn Jones

asked the Attorney-General how many applications for legal aid in 1956 were rejected on financial grounds; and what were the comparable figures for 1955.

The Attorney-General

In the year ended March, 1957, 5,254 of the 37,412 applications made were rejected on financial grounds. The figures for the year ended March, 1956, are 4,039 out of 34,967.

61. Mr. Elwyn Jones

asked the Attorney-General whether, in view of the fact that the operation of such parts of the Legal Aid and Advice Act as are in force is hampered by the absence of a comprehensive system for legal advice and also by the absence of facilities for legal aid in the magistrates' courts, Her Majesty's Government will take steps to remedy these defects.

The Attorney-General

I am not in a position to make a statement about any extension of the Legal Aid and Advice Act, 1949, for these purposes.