HC Deb 03 July 1973 vol 859 cc99-100W
Mr. John Smith

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what was the total cost of criminal legal aid in England and Wales for the latest convenient year for (a) cases in the magistrates' courts, (b) cases in courts of higher jurisdiction, and (c) cases on appeal.

Mr. Carlisle

The cost of legal aid in the magistrates' courts in England and Wales in 1971–72 was £3,379,303 and in the higher courts £6,173,570. The statistics kept do not distinguish the cost of cases on appeal from that of cases tried in the higher courts.

Mr. John Smith

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what was the total cost of criminal legal aid in England and Wales for the latest convenient year.

Mr. Carlisle

The total cost of criminal legal aid in England and Wales for 1971–72 was £9,552,873.

Mr. John Smith

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many applications were made for criminal legal aid in England and Wales; and how many applications were successful over the latest convenient year.

Mr. Carlisle

In 1972, 234,351 applications were made, and 216,029 were granted. These figures do not include applications relating to the Court of Appeal (Criminal Division) which are not yet available.

Mr. John Smith

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what were the total sums paid, respectively, to solici- tors and counsel as payments under the criminal legal aid scheme for England and Wales for the latest convenient year in respect of cases in (a) magistrates' courts, (b) courts of higher jurisdiction.

Mr. Carlisle

These figures are not available in the form requested. I shall write to the hon. Member.