§ Mr. Andrew WelshTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what is the average time taken by the Scottish Legal Aid Board in dealing with applications for legal aid; and what were the figures in each of the four previous years.
§ Lord James Douglas-HamiltonThe information requested is not available.
§ Mr. Andrew WelshTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what representations the Lord Advocate has received about the working of the legal aid system in Scotland; and if he plans to speed up the time taken in dealing with legal aid applications.
§ Lord James Douglas-HamiltonSince the Scottish Legal Aid Board assumed its duties on 1 April 1987, the Lord Advocate has received nine such representations from right hon. and hon. Members, bodies representing the legal profession and the general public. They covered delays in the determination of applications for legal aid, refusals of legal aid and other matters. Legal aid is the responsibility of my right hon. and learned Friend, who announced on 15 December 1987 our intention to make regulations to assist in improving procedures. These will be laid shortly. The Scottish Legal Aid Board is also considering an expedited civil application procedure.