HC Deb 03 December 1992 vol 215 cc302-3W
Mr. Cohen

To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what is the current value to the Legal Aid Board, at 1992 prices, of those statutory charges placed on homes as a consequence of civil legal aid proceedings; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. John M. Taylor

As at 31 March 1992—which is the most recent date for which a total figure is available—the value to the Legal Aid Board of charges placed on property as a consequence of civil legal aid proceedings was £86 million.

Mr. Morgan

To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what assessment he has made of the changes in civil legal aid eligibility on(a) the numbers who will take legal action and (b) the access to legal representation and its quality of those client groups no longer financially eligible for legal aid; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. John M. Taylor

I estimate that the number of civil legal aid bills paid will rise from around 298,000 in 1992–93 to around 327,000 in 1995–96. Legal services for those outside the legal aid scheme will continue to be available from lawyers in private practice and from other sources.

Mr. Morgan

To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what consultations he has had with(a) the Law Society and (b) the Law Centres Federation concerning the impact of changes in the legal aid system on the numbers eligible for legal aid.

Mr. John M. Taylor

My Department regularly discusses a range of issues relating to legal aid with both the Law Society and the Law Centres Federation. I am always open to receive representations on any matter.

Mr. Morgan

To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what assessment he has made of the impact of his amended eligibility criteria for legal aid on applications for legal advice under the green form scheme and private medical examinations for appellants against refusal of invalidity care allowance, attendance allowance, mobility allowance and disability living allowance.

Mr. John M. Taylor

The changes announced on 12 November do not affect the type of work that can be done under the green form scheme. Those people receiving income support or with incomes at income support level will be unaffected by the changes. This will mean that around 21 per cent. of households will be eligible for advice under the green form scheme. People with incomes above income support level will in future be unable to receive help under the green form scheme. However, the average green form bill in the last financial year was £82 and it is not unreasonable to expect them to meet costs of this order.