§ Mr.Kenneth Clarkeasked the Attorney-General what increases have been made in the level of capital disregarded for legal aid during the last 10 years; and what has been the relationship of that level and the level of capital disregarded for supplementary benefit purposes during the same 10 years.
Date of change Disposable capital disregard for legal aid Capital disregard for Supplementary Benefit Column (2) as a percentage of column (3) (1) (2) (3) £ £ Prior to 1972 … 125 300 42 per cent. December 1972 … 250 300 83 per cent. November 1976 … 300 1,200 25 per cent November 1977 … 340 1,200 28 per cent. November 1978 … 365 1,200 30 per cent. My noble Friend has announced that he intends to increase the free disposable capital limit for legal aid to £1,200 and to incorporate the allowances currently made.