§ Mr. Arnoldasked the Attorney-General what is the present annual cost of criminal and civil legal aid, respectively.
§ The Attorney-General:The Supply Estimates for 1978–79 provide for a net cost of approximately £48.8 million for criminal legal aid and £ 44.9 million for civil legal aid in England and Wales. Civil legal aid, legal advice and assistance and legal aid for criminal cases in magistrates' courts fall on my noble Friend's Vote, while criminal legal aid in the higher courts falls on the Vote of my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary.
§ Mr. Arnoldasked the Attorney-General what is the estimated percentage of the population eligible for legal aid.
§ The Attorney-General:It is not possible to make a reliable estimate because the legal aid limits are based on the"disposable"income and capital, which is available after allowances have been made for dependants and deductions made for debts and necessary expenses, including income tax, national insurance and other matters. A special study in 1973 showed that an estimated 40 per cent. of the population was then eligible on 131W income grounds for legal aid. Since then annual upratings in the limits appear to have maintained that level. My noble Friend announced on 14th November last his intention to make comprehensive and significant improvements to the financial conditions for legal aid in the early part of next year.