§ Mr. ClaphamTo ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department if initial investigations required to determine the chances of a case succeeding will be covered by the insurance policy, in circumstances where it is decided not to proceed with a case under his proposed reforms of legal aid. [22434]
§ Mr. HoonWhether initial investigation costs are covered by an insurance policy if a case does not proceed would depend on the terms of the particular insurance policy.
§ Mr. ClaphamTo ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what measures he intends to introduce under his legal aid reforms to ensure that fixing costs will not damage the prospects of injury victims winning cases. [22362]
§ Mr. HoonI am very aware of the concerns expressed about the implications of the fast track fixed costs proposals. In considering the future of a fixed costs scheme, a balance needs to be achieved between the desirable aims of making litigation more certain and affordable, with the need to allow parties to litigate on equal terms. Any system introduced will take account of these factors.