§ Mr. MichaelTo ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department into which category of offence the six most expensive legally aided cases or groups of cases fell in each of the last five years.
Mr. John M. TaylorInformation is available for only the last four years. An analysis of criminal legal aid payments in respect of cases heard in the Crown court indicate that the six most expensive cases fell into the following offence categories:
Offence type 1988–89 1989–90 1990–91 1991–92 Fraud 2 2 4 4 Obtaining by deception 1 2 1 1 Handling stolen goods 1 1 — — Revenue law offences 1 — 1 — Murder — — — 1 Drugs offences — 1 — — Other offences 1 — — —
§ Mr. MilburnTo ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department if he will estimate for each area committee the number of applicants who will no longer be eligible for legal aid after 1 April.
Mr. John M. TaylorWhether or not an individual is eligible for legal aid depends both on the details of his or her financial means and the merits of the case he or she wishes to bring or defend. The only estimates that are made are of the number of certificates likely to be issued in England and Wales as a whole.
§ Mr. Alex CarlileTo ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what plans he has to introduce new rules regarding the granting of legal aid in complex fraud cases; and if he will make a statement.
Mr. John M. TaylorLegal aid will continue to be granted, subject to the applicant's means, where the court considers that it is in the interests of justice.
§ Mr. MilburnTo ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department if he will list for each area602W committee for each year since 1985 (a) the annual budget for legal aid in current and 1985 prices, (b) the number of legal aid cases granted aid and (c) the number of legal aid cases not granted aid.
Mr. John M. TaylorIt has not been possible to obtain the information requested in the time available. However, I will write to the hon. Member.