§ Mr. Hilary BennTo ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what plans he has to put McKenzie friends on a statutory footing; and if he will make a statement. [97250]
§ Mr. LockThe Government have no plans at present to place the role of McKenzie friends on a statutory footing. Judges have developed common law rules so that litigants in person are permitted a McKenzie friend in proceedings in open court, and in chambers, unless the court is satisfied that fairness and justice does not require that assistance or where the court has grounds for believing that a McKenzie friend has acted inappropriately.