§ Mr. BerminghamTo ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what guidance he gives to the Legal Aid Board to help it to distinguish between genuine and bogus applicants; and what action is taken against those assessed to be abusing the legal aid system. [31025]
§ Mr. StreeterSection 5(6) of the Legal Aid Act 1988 precludes the Lord Chancellor from giving guidance to the Legal Aid Board in relation to the consideration or disposal of applications for legal aid in particular cases. Applicants suspected of intentionally failing to comply with the regulations or of knowingly making any false statement or false representation are liable to prosecution under section 39 of the Legal Aid Act 1988.