§ Mr. Clinton Davisasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will publish in the OFFICIAL REPORT the number of firms of solicitors listed as being prepared to undertake criminal legal aid work by each of the Inner London magistrates' courts.
§ Mr. CarlisleI do not think that this would be helpful. The preparation and maintenance of any such lists—in order to assist defendants who do not choose a solicitor independently—is a matter for the courts themselves.
§ Mr. Clinton Davisasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement detailing the discussions which have taken place between his Department and the Inner London 71W magistrates' courts and the advice given by his Department relating to the system of allocation of criminal legal aid work by such courts.
§ Mr. CarlisleI assume that the hon. Member is referring to the assignment of solicitors to the minority of applicants who do not make their own choice. No advice has been given by the Home Office on this matter. The chief magistrate and the principal chief clerk are considering whether some greater uniformity of practice could be achieved, bearing in mind the variations between different court areas.