§ Mr. DismoreTo ask the Minister of State, Lord Chancellor's Department what plans he has to monitor the amount of pro bono work done by(a) barristers, (b) QCs and (c) solicitors; and if he will make a statement. [75785]
§ Mr. HoonThe Government have no plans at present to monitor formally the amount of pro bono work carried out by the legal profession.
§ Mr. DismoreTo ask the Minister of State, Lord Chancellor's Department to what extent, in considering the appointment of new QCs, the Lord Chancellor takes into account(a) the past record of the applicant's undertaking of pro bono work and (b) the willingness of the applicant, if appointed, to undertake pro bono work. [75787]
§ Mr. HoonNeither the undertaking of, nor a willingness to undertake, pro bono work is one of the published criteria for appointment. Where applicants highlight the extent of the pro bono work they have undertaken, this is treated as a part of their practice which is not reflected in their fee income.
§ Mr. DismoreTo ask the Minister of State, Lord Chancellor's Department to what extent, in considering the appointment of new QCs and taking into account levels of earnings of applicants a discount is given against the levels of earnings to reflect pro bono work; and if he will make a statement. [75786]
§ Mr. HoonMy noble and learned Friend considers applications for Queen's Counsel against published criteria. The application form, which applicants complete,376W requires them to give gross fee income for the last three years. The criteria require successful applicants to have a high quality practice, and the level of fee income is an indicator of size of practice. Applicants are also asked to state if the level of their fees has been affected by the nature of their, or their firm's practice. Where applicants highlight the extent of the pro bono work they have undertaken that is treated as part of their practice which does not reflect in their fee income.