§ Mr. BoatengTo ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what was the cost of the duty solicitor scheme in the most recent year available; and whether that cost is included in the expenditure figures for legal aid.
Mr. John M. TaylorIn 1991–92, the last year for which figures are available, the cost of the duty solicitor schemes was £62 million. It is estimated that the scheme will have cost £72 million in 1992–93. The cost of the duty solicitor schemes is included in the expenditure figures for legal aid.