§ Mrs. Margaret EwingTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will take steps to ensure that the next annual increases in legal aid remuneration will be effective from 1 April and that thereafter increases will be awarded on an annual basis.
§ Lord James Douglas-HamiltonWhile it is our objective to avoid protracted negotiations on legal aid fee levels, no specific date can be set for their completion.
§ Mrs. Margaret EwingTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he will consider extending the period within which criminal legal aid accounts must be submitted to the Scottish Legal Aid Board for payment following conclusion of the case.
§ Lord James Douglas-HamiltonThis matter will be considered in forthcoming discussions between the Scottish Home and Health Department, the Scottish Legal Aid Board and the Law Society of Scotland.