HC Deb 30 June 1980 vol 987 c447W
Dr. McDonald

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether he will consider extending legal aid to patients appearing before tribunals of inquiry into allegations of maladministration in mental hospitals where the patient concerned is alleging that he is a victim of such maladministration.

Sir George Young

Where a formal inquiry is established under section 84 of the National Health Service Act 1977, or by a health authority, the Department's advice is that the legal expenses of a witness may be met from public funds if:

  1. (a) the chairman of the inquiry has ruled that it is essential for him to be legally represented.
  2. (b) no other source of reimbursement is available and it would be unreasonable to expect him to meet the expense himself; and
  3. (c) the authority conducting the inquiry is satisfied that the costs are reasonable.

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