§ Mr. Kilfedderasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will establish a consumer advice centre and an office of fair trading in Northern Ireland; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. OrmeThe adequacy of existing consumer advisory services is under review, in consultation with the newly formed Northern Ireland Consumer
Northern Ireland England and Wales Solicitors Counsel Solicitors Counsel £ £ £ £ Magistrates' courts … … … … 47.25 — 47.25 — Trial courts … … … … 78.75 63.00 78.75 64.50 Appeal courts … … … … 78.75 63.00 78.75 64.50 Thus the maximum limits of fees payable differ only marginally in two respects.
Expenditure on legal aid in criminal proceedings in Northern Ireland during 1973–74 amounted to £68,346 in respect of proceedings in magistrates courts and £210,137 in respect of proceedings in the higher courts. I would refer the hon. Member to the answer given by my center hon. Friend the Home Secretary to my hon. Friend the Member for Chorley (Mr. Rodgers) on 23rd June in respect of comparable expenditure in England and Wales.—[Vol. 894, c. 45.]