§ Mr. Crowderasked the Attorney-General if he is aware that private citizens wishing to contest planning proposals and compulsory purchase orders issued by local authorities have to finance their own legal representation, whereas the expenses of the local authorities are met by the ratepayers; and if he will now consider extending entitlement to legal aid to include public inquiries on plan-nine matters.
The Attorney-GeneralMy noble Friend and I are aware of the position. The Legal Aid Advisory Committee is at present considering the important related question of legal aid for administrative tribunals. It is hoping to report before the end of the year. The Government will then consider, in the light of the committee's recommendations, the position in relation to statutory inquiries and other tribunals.