§ Mr. Sheermanasked the Attorney-General what response Her Majesty's Government have made to the report of the Lord Chancellor's advisory committee on legal aid calling for financial support to those law centres whose funding is threatened.
§ The Solicitor-GeneralThe Government's general position on law centres has been made clear; there are no plans to withdraw or reduce the funding currently provided by the Lord Chancellor's Department to seven law centres, nor to extend that commitment to other centres.
§ Mr. Sheermanasked the Attorney-General if he will make a statement about the future funding of law centres.
§ The Solicitor-GeneralThe Government have acknowledged that law centres may have a part to play in the provision of legal services, as a supplement to the legal aid and advice schemes, where this suits local circumstances. Such centres are seen as essentially matters for local decision and initiative. Central Government support continues to be provided through the urban programme, in accordance with its general principles and procedures, and the Lord Chancellor's Department continues to provide funding to seven law centres.