§ Mr. John MorrisTo ask the Attorney-General if the Lord Chancellor will raise the level at which criminal legal fees are referred to the central taxation units from £4,000 to £8,000 for a trial period.
The Attorney-GeneralNo. The central taxing teams were established only 10 months ago for the purpose of determining claims over £4,000. They are still settling into their role and it would be premature to consider changing it.
When a number of claims for less than £4,000 are linked to claims for between £4,000 and £8,000, circuit taxing directors have authority to release these claims to the court for determination and this is done wherever possible. This enables the teams to concentrate on those cases which properly require their expertise. The Lord Chancellor keeps the progress of the teams under close review.