§ 36. Mr. Bernard JenkinTo ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department if he will set a cash limit for the legal aid budget in 1997–98. [12253]
§ Mr. StreeterThe Government have embarked on a radical reform programme to put in place the controls that we need to cash-limit legal aid spending. The key changes must be carefully piloted and some require legislation. Last year's White Paper made it clear that the reforms will take four to five years to implement in full.
§ 38. Mr. HawkinsTo ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what recent representations he has received on his proposals for reform of the legal aid system. [12256]
§ Mr. StreeterI frequently receive representations on this matter from professional bodies and associations, pressure groups, advice services, individual lawyers, Members of Parliament and members of the public.
§ 40. Mr. Harry GreenwayTo ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department how many people received legal aid in the last year for which figures are available; and if he will make a statement. [12258]
§ Mr. StreeterIn 1995–96, being the latest year for which figures are available, the number of acts of assistance totalled 3.5 million. This represents an increase of almost 17 per cent. in the last five years.