HC Deb 26 January 1976 vol 904 cc9-10W
Mr. Ashley

asked the Attorney-General what representations he has received about extending legal representation to people appearing before tribunals under the legal aid scheme; and what replies he has sent.

The Attorney-General

My noble Friend the Lord Chancellor has received a number of representations about this, including in particular those made by his Legal Aid Advisory Committee in its 24th Annual Report. Although he supports in principle the provision of legal aid for certain tribunals, he cannot at present give priority to this in view of financial constraints and the urgent need for improving legal services generally.

Mr. Ashley

asked the Attorney-General in how many cases Government Departments, landlords and employers were legally represented before tribunals while the appellants were not represented in each of the last five years.

The Attorney-General

This information is not available.

Mr. Ashley

asked the Attorney-General (1) if he will ban legal representation at tribunals in cases where only those able to afford it are able to take advantage of the services of lawyers;

(2) what proposals he has for extending the use of lay advisers before tribunals, such as representatives of trade unions, citizens advice bureaux, the Child Poverty Action Group, and voluntary lawyers.

The Attorney-General

My noble friend is not prepared to ban legal representation at tribunals as suggested by my hon. Friend. The question of extending the use of lay advisers, such as my hon. Friend proposes, is already being considered by him.

Mr. Ashley

asked the Attorney-General if he will consider setting up an independent legal services commission to administer the legal aid scheme in place of the Law Society.

The Attorney-General

My noble Friend the Lord Chancellor has fully considered this proposal and is not persuaded that it would be in the public interest.

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