HC Deb 26 January 1976 vol 904 cc8-9W
Mr. Ashley

asked the Attorney-General (1) if he proposes to take steps to change the provision that a barrister who has assisted a poor person in a legal advice centre may not act for that person in court unless he is instructed by a solicitor;

(2) if he proposes to change the provision that barristers who assist a poor person at a legal advice centre may not sign any letters he may draft, or indicate that any advice has been received from a barrister;

(3) if he proposes to change the provision that a barrister who assists a poor person at a legal advice centre may not negotiate orally with third parties with a view to arranging a settlement for that person;

(4) if he proposes to change the provision that a barrister who assists a poor person at a legal advice centre may not set up, organise or give his services at the centre unless there is a non-barrister in charge to recommend the names of solicitors.

The Attorney-General

Since 1969, it has been open to a barrister at a legal advice centre(a) to sign letters on behalf of the centre, which may show that counsel's advice has been received; and (b) in exceptional circumstances, to negotiate orally with third parties; and (c) to show anyone seeking advice a list of solicitors kept by the centre.

My noble Friend considers that law centres and legal advice centres perform a most valuable function, and the rules governing the services of barristers and solicitors operating from them are kept under constant review, with a view to deploying their resources as effectively as possible.

Mr. Ashley

asked the Attorney-General how many law centres and neighbourhood legal advice centres have now been established; and what is their total cost.

The Attorney-General

There are 20 law centres in England and Wales, either in existence or shortly to open. It is not possible to give the precise number of legal advice centres, but there are approximately 100. It is not possible to state the total cost of the bodies to which my hon. Friend refers.

Mr. Ashley

asked the Attorney-General if he will take steps to extend the number of advisory legal facilities; and what further measures he has in mind.

The Attorney-General

My noble Friend the Lord Chancellor will consider the desirability of further extensions of the existing facilities in the light of the study he has commissioned into the unmet need for legal services.

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