HC Deb 19 May 1998 vol 312 cc339-40W
33. Mr. Gerald Howarth

To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department when he intends to publish the Government's response to the public consultation on conditional fees and legal aid reform. [41289]

Mr. Hoon

We will publish our response as soon as the analysis of the 233 responses has been completed and my noble and learned Friend and I have had a chance to consider the results. I expect that to be within the next month or so.

34. Mr. Dismore

To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department if he will make a statement on the role of trade union legal assistance schemes in the provision of legal services in the context of the civil justice and legal aid review. [41290]

Mr. Hoon

The excellent schemes operated by trade unions and their lawyers provide effective, specialist representation to a wide range of people. The Government wish to explore with the TUC the suggestion that the schemes might be made available to non-union members. We are keen to encourage as many avenues of access to justice as we can.

Mr. Bercow

To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department how many responses he has received to his consultation paper on legal aid reform. [41293]

Mr. Hoon

233.