§ 32. Mr. Jacques ArnoldTo ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department if he will make a statement on the review of legal aid. [37959]
§ Mr. StreeterThe Lord Chancellor published a White Paper on 2 July, setting out the Government's plans for reforming the legal aid scheme in England and Wales. Since then, work has been proceeding on implementing the reforms.
653WThe Legal Aid Board published its plans for expanding block contracting of advice and assistance in the not-for-profit sector in August. It intends to publish proposals for piloting legal aid for family mediation in November, and on advice and assistance contracts with solicitors' firms in early 1997.
§ 33. Mr. John MarshallTo ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what representations he has recently received about the cost of the legal aid scheme. [37960]
§ Mr. StreeterI frequently receive representations on this matter. As my hon. Friend knows, the Government's proposals for a radical reform of the legal aid scheme were announced by the Lord Chancellor on 2 July, and are contained in the White Paper, "Striking the Balance". These proposals will, among other things, improve control over the cost of legal aid and ensure that the taxpayer obtains good value for the money spent.