§ Sir Nicholas LyellTo ask the Minister of State, Lord Chancellor's Department, pursuant to paragraph 35 of the explanatory notes to the Access of Justice Bill [Lords], by what percentage average payments to defence lawyers in the Crown courts increased between 1991–92 and 1997–98; and what was the reason for the size of the increase. [65668]
§ Mr. HoonOverall, between 1991–92 and 1997–98 average payments to lawyers in the Crown Court increased by 66 per cent. including disbursements, 63 per cent. excluding disbursements. Excluding the most exceptional cases, that is the top one per cent. of the most expensive cases, which may distort the overall figures, average payments to defence lawyers in the remaining 99 per cent. of cases increased by 82 per cent. compared with an inflation rate of 18 per cent. over the period. Among the reasons for the increase in average payments in those 99 per cent. of cases are fewer guilty pleas, resulting in more effective trials, and more work claimed per case by defence lawyers.
§ Sir Nicholas LyellTo ask the Minister of State, Lord Chancellor's Department, pursuant to paragraph 35 of the explanatory notes to the Access of Justice Bill [Lords], what was the increase in the average payments to defence lawyers in the Magistrates courts over the period 1991–92 to 1997–98; and what was the aggregate rate of inflation over the same period. [65667]
§ Mr. HoonBetween 1991–92 and 1997–98 average payments to defence lawyers in the Magistrates Court increased by 11 per cent. inclusive of disbursements, or 12 per cent exclusive of disbursements. Over the same period the aggregate rate of inflation was 18 per cent.322W However, the introduction of Magistrates Court Standard Fees in June 1993 will have reduced the average payment because more individual payments are being made in respect of the same defendant. For example, payments in respect of Bail Act offences are now paid as a separate fee rather than being included in the payment for the case as a whole.