§ Lord Astor of Heverasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they will set out the main elements in the legal aid schemes in each member state of the European Union.
§ The Lord ChancellorThe information requested can be found in theGuide to legal aid and advice in the European Economic Area, published by the European Commission, a copy of which has been placed in the House of Lords Library.
§ Lord Astor of Heverasked Her Majesty's Government:
What was the expenditure on legal aid in each member state of the European Union in the last year for which figures are available.
§ The Lord ChancellorThe information is not readily available and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.
§ Lord Astor of Heverasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they consider that the same priorities for the provision of public money for legal aid should apply to those who are non-British citizens, and not permanently resident or domiciled in the United Kingdom, who are involved in litigation in United Kingdom courts with British third parties, as apply to litigants who are British citizens.
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§ The Lord ChancellorThe award of civil legal aid to foreign nationals is perfectly proper under the terms of the existing legal aid scheme. However, the recent Legal Aid White PaperStriking the Balance, proposes a new deservingness test, and applicants will have to show that their cases deserve a share of the resources available. I will consult widely on what factors should be taken into account in making this decision.