§ Mr. Ronald Bellasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he is now able to make a statement on the Report of the Working Party on Legal Aid in Criminal Proceedings.
§ Mr. BrookeThe first Report of the Working Party has been published today. It reviews the arrangements for legal aid at assizes and quarter sessions in trials on indictment, and in magistrates' courts. My right hon. and learned Friend the Lord Chancellor and I are in general agreement with the Working Party's recommendations relating to the remuneration of counsel and solicitors assigned to give legal aid; and I am taking steps to amend the regulations governing such remuneration so as to give effect to the working Party's proposals. I am also bringing to the notice of clerks of assize and clerks of the peace the views of the Working Party on a number of matters affecting the day-to-day administration of the regulations. Consideration is being given to the views expressed in the Report on other matters.