§ Mrs. Ewingasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what has been the total cost to public funds of the Criminal Legal Aid Scheme in Scotland for each year since it was introduced in Scotland; and, in each year, what was the total sum paid in legal fees.
§ Mr. RossCriminal legal aid, which was introduced on a statutory basis in October, 1964, cost £42,000 in the financial year 1964–65, £242,000 in 1965–66, £396,000 in 1966–67 and £461,000 in 1967–68. The total sums paid in fees to solicitors and counsel in the last three financial years were £237,000, £387,000 and £450,000 respectively.