HC Deb 19 June 1969 vol 785 c124W
34. Sir C. Osborne

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department, in view of the recent observations made by judges in the courts on the unnecessary use of public money through granting legal aid to persons who are able to pay for their own defence, if he will now instigate an inquiry into the working of the legal aid system, with the object of saving public funds.

Mr. Elystan Morgan

The Departmental Committee on Legal Aid in Criminal Proceedings recommended that the courts should be empowered to require legally assisted persons to contribute to the costs of legal aid, and legislation to this effect came into force on 1st October last. I see no need for any further inquiry at the present time.