§ Mr. Ashleyasked the Attorney-General if he will seek to establish a legal services commission to take over the administration of the legal services which are at present controlled by the Lord Chancellor, the Home Secretary, the Law Society and the legal aid responsibilities of the courts.
§ The Attorney-GeneralThis question must now be considered in the light of my right honourable Friend the Prime Minister's announcement about the establishment of a Royal Commission to inquire into the provision of legal services.
§ Mr. Ashleyasked the Attorney-General what estimate he has made of the size of unmet legal need; what steps he has taken to remedy it so far; and if he will make a statement.
§ The Attorney-GeneralMy noble Friend has encouraged the development of law centres and has made funds available to those centres in severe financial314W straits. He has raised the income limits for legal aid, advice and assistance in September 1974, June 1975 and January 1976. He has publicised the Green Form Scheme for legal advice and assistance. He has encouraged the small claims procedure in county courts. None the less, my noble Friend is well aware that there remains an extensive area of unmet need for legal services and he is urgently considering how this can best be met.
§ Mr. Ashleyasked the Attorney-General if he will make it his policy to consider the desirability of legal aid and representation for consumers seeking redress by litigation.
§ The Attorney-GeneralLegal aid is already generally available for those consumers who wish to bring proceedings before the courts and who are financially eligible.