Mr. ClintonDavis asked the Attorney-General (1) if he will introduce legislation to enable the High Court and county courts to order legal aid if, during the course of a case, it appears that this is necessary in the interests of justice;
(2) if he will extend the Legal Aid and Advice Act to make legal aid avail- able for plaintiffs in libel actions and for defendants in libel and slander actions.
§ The Attorney-GeneralThe recommendations in the Report on Litigants in Person by Justice, of which these are two, are now under consideration. The legislation on legal advice and assistance, foreshadowed in the Gracious Speech, will enable a judge to invite a solicitor who is in court for another purpose to give advice and assistance to a litigant appearing in person in the county court.
§ Mr. Clinton Davisasked the Attorney-General if he will introduce legislation to enable successful litigants in person to be awarded reasonable recompense for preparing and conducting their cases.
§ The Attorney-GeneralConsideration is being given to certain aspects of this problem.