HC Deb 20 May 1996 vol 278 cc60-1W
34. Mr. Booth

To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what steps he is taking to speed up legal aid payments. [28795]

Mr. Jonathan Evans

Several steps have been taken by my Department and by the Legal Aid Board to ensure swift payment to solicitors and barristers for legal aid work. The introduction of standard fee systems and enhanced interim payment mechanisms for franchise holders are examples.

36. Mr. Flynn

To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what new proposals he has to improve the legal aid system. [28799]

Mr. Evans

The Lord Chancellor published a Green Paper setting out proposals for the reform of legal aid in May 1995. More than 200 responses were received. The Lord Chancellor has examined these responses and expects to publish a White Paper on the future of the legal aid scheme before Parliament rises for the summer.

37. Mr. John Marshall

To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what representations he has recently received about the size of the legal aid budget. [28801]

Mr. Evans

I have received many representations on this matter. As my hon. Friend knows, the Lord Chancellor has announced that he intends to introduce a number of measures to gain more effective control over legal aid expenditure.