§ Dr. GibsonTo ask the Minister of State, Lord Chancellor's Department what steps he is taking to publicise the proposed reforms of the legal aid system in a manner accessible to potential users of the legal services, with particular reference to community legal services. [75512]
§ Mr. HoonThe proposed reforms of the legal aid system have been publicised in the White Paper "Modernising Justice", published in December 1998, in a summary version which has been widely distributed and in press releases and media briefing in connection with the Access to Justice Bill. The proposals are also available on the internet.
My Department's press office has taken steps to publicise the proposals through the media in the six Community Legal Service Pioneer areas announced since December 1998 and will seek to arrange regional and national publicity when further Associate Pioneer ares are announced.
In addition, informing the public at grass roots level about the Community Legal Service is one of the key tasks being considered between my Department and the Pioneer area authorities and one which will also be considered with the Associate Pioneer area authorities.