§ Mr. Bestasked the Attorney-General whether Her Majesty's Government intend to introduce another payments on account scheme to ensure that barristers and solicitors undertaking civil legal aid work receive some payment on account for work already done.
§ The Solicitor-GeneralSince my right hon. Friend the former Solicitor-General announced a scheme for 1982–83, full and constructive discussions have been taking place between officials of the Lord Chancellor's Department and representatives of the profession on ways or improving control of the cost of civil legal aid and about arrangements for payments on account. In the light of these discussions a number of useful measures to improve control of costs will progressively be brought into operation and discussions will continue.
In view of the progress that has been made the Government have decided that there should be a further scheme for payments on account which will operate for the present financial year only. The details are now being settled in discussion with the profession.