§ Mr. Gordon PrenticeTo ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster how many requests were made to the Duchy of Lancaster for financial aid in each year since 1982; if he will give the numbers that were unsuccessful; and if he will list the criteria by which such applications are judged.
§ Mr. WaldegraveSince 1982 some 750 payments have been made by the Duchy of Lancaster benevolent fund. Most of these were selected by local advisers within the county palatine. There have been few unsuccessful applicants. These were either not connected with the county palatine or other areas of duchy interest, or had a reasonable prospect of raising funds elsewhere.
100WDecisions as to suitability have been based on the need for, and benefit to be derived from, each payment, while taking into account the wish to spread payments throughout the county palatine.
§ Mr. Gordon PrenticeTo ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what consideration will be given by the Duchy of Lancaster to the application for financial aid from the Lancashire free legal action centre.
§ Mr. WaldegraveThe application for financial aid from the Lancashire free legal action centre in Blackpool is being considered with other requests for financial assistance the duchy office receives. In keeping with normal practice we will be taking local advice before any decision is made.