HC Deb 23 June 1975 vol 894 c45W
Mr. George Rodgers

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will publish in the Official Report figures showing the cost of the free legal aid scheme; and if he will show how the expenditure has been apportioned.

Mr. Alexander W. Lyon

Expenditure on legal aid in criminal proceedings in 1973–74 amounted to £6,209,283 in respect of proceedings in magistrates' courts and £10,225,111 in respect of proceedings in the higher courts. Questions relating to legal aid in civil proceedings are a matter for my noble and learned Friend the Lord Chancellor.