§ 36. Mr. Geraint Howellsasked the Attorney-General how many applications for legal aid in matrimonial causes were (a) made and (b) granted in each of the years 1984–85 and 1986, respectively, and if he will make a statement.
§ The Attorney-GeneralI will arrange to have the detailed figures printed in theOfficial Report. Between 1984–85 and 1985–86 the number of civil legal aid certificates issued for matrimonial proceedings rose by 2.6 per cent.
The figures are as follows:
Number of applications made for civil legal aid for matrimonial proceedings
The figure is not available for 1984–85. Prior to 1985–86, applications were not recorded by type of proceedings.318W
1985–86 183,812
Number of civil legal aid certificates granted for matrimonial proceedings 1984–85 111,218 1985–86 114,126 Notes:
- (i) The figures for applications made and certificates issued are not directly comparable, since some certificates issued in 1985–86 will have related to applications made in 1984–85, and some applications made in 1985–86 will not have been determined until 1986–87.
- (ii) Applications may not result in certificates being issued for a number of reasons. They may be refused, on either merits or means grounds. They may also be abandoned or withdrawn by the applicant.
§ Mr. Wigleyasked the Attorney-General if he will make a statement on the speed with which the Law Society responds to applications for legal aid.
§ The Attorney-GeneralI refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Devon, North (Mr. Speller) on 7 July, at column15–16.
§ Mr. Greenwayasked the Attorney-General what amount was paid out of legal aid for the latest year for which figures are available; and if he will make a statement.
§ The Attorney-GeneralThe net cost of all types of legal aid (including advice and assistance but excluding administration) in financial year 1985–86 was £320 million.