§ Mr. Lawrenceasked the Attorney-General what has been the annual take-up rate of the £25 solicitors' advice scheme since its introduction; and whether he will make a statement.
§ The Attorney-GeneralSince the introduction of the Legal Advice and Assistance Scheme on 2nd April 1973 the number of claims put in for payment each year under the scheme has been as follows:
1973–74 … … … 109,401 1974–75 … … … 199,346 1975–76 … … … 253,172 In many cases a claim for payment is not submitted because the client's contribution covers the cost of the work done. It is not possible to give any figure for such cases.
§ Mr. Mayhewasked the Attorney-General to what value the £25 limit to the solicitors' advice scheme has fallen at today's prices.
§ The Attorney-GeneralThe legal advice and assistance scheme was introduced in April 1973. In terms of the increase in the retail prices index from that date to June 1976 the purchasing power of £25 has fallen to £14.76. However, the average cost of advice is currently well below the £25 limit and a solicitor may provide advice and assistance under the scheme in excess of £25, provided he obtains the approval of the Law Society.