§ Mr. CoxTo ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor' s Department what was the largest sum of money granted towards legal aid costs in a single case in 1997. [34713]
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§ Mr. HoonIt is not possible to answer the question in the form requested as our records contain only closed cases. The most expensive closed case in 1996/97 financial year was R. v. Maxwell & Others which concluded in September 1996. The costs to the Legal Aid fund of this case to date are £14.85 million. Although all claims have now been determined, eight bills remain to be re-determined and therefore it is not yet possible to give the final cost of the case.
§ Mr. CoxTo ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what was the total amount of money granted in legal aid in 1997. [34714]
§ Mr. HoonThe total of Gross payments (including payments on account) made during 1996/97, the last full year for which records are available, from the Legal Aid Fund for Criminal Legal Aid in the Higher Courts was £1,923.54 million. Over the same period, receipts totalled £447.87 million. Net expenditure (including payments on account) was £1,475.67 million.