§ Mr. Clinton Davisasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will take steps to standardise the practice relating to applications for legal aid in magistrates' courts.
§ Mr. CarlisleMagistrates' courts may grant legal aid—subject to means—where it appears to the court desirable to do so in the interests of justice, and my right hon. Friend has no power to issue directions on how they should exercise their discretion. No doubt, however, they are aware of the recommendations on this matter made by the Departmental Committee on Legal Aid in Criminal Proceedings, which reported in 1966.