§ Mr. Matthew BanksTo ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what is the amount of legal aid owed to solicitors for completed work at the latest date for which figures are available; if he will estimate the average length of time between the date on which payment is claimed by solicitors and the date on which payment is made to them; and if he will make a statement.
Mr. John M. TaylorInformation is not available in the form requested. However, the Legal Aid Board publishes in its annual report targets and performance for the time taken to process legal aid bills from receipt in the area offices to payment being made. Targets are also published in the Court Service annual report for payment of criminal legal aid hills in the higher courts. As at March 1992 the targets—; set out in the table—; were all being met or exceeded apart from in the south eastern circuit central taxing team where special measures are being taken to reduce the backlog.
Civil bills: 65 per cent. paid within six weeks of receipt.Magistrates' court bills: 80 per cent. paid within six weeks of receipt.Other legal aid fund hills: 90 per cent. paid within six weeks of receipt.Crown Court taxations: 70 per cent. paid within four weeks of being lodged.Central taxing teams: 75 per cent. paid within three months of being ready to tax.It should be borne in mind that, except where standard fees are in force, time has to he allowed for the claim submitted to be given full and detailed examination by way of taxation by the court or assessment by the Legal Aid Board before final payment can be made.