HC Deb 27 January 1983 vol 35 cc527-8W
Lord James Douglas-Hamilton

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he has any plans to introduce a scheme of payments on account for civil legal aid in Scotland.

Mr. Younger

The Government have decided to authorise payments on account to be made in relation to legally aided civil cases in Scotland which have reached a certain stage. The scheme will operate only for the present financial year and claims will have to be made promptly. Longer-term arrangements will be considered in the course of the review of the fee structure for legally aided work for which I propose to assume responsibility under the provisions of the Divorce Jurisdiction, Court Fees and Legal Aid (Scotland) Bill at present before Parliament.