§ Mr. CousinsTo ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department how many legal aid franchises for the provision of advice in immigration and nationality cases have been created in the North East Region; and how many cases it is estimated these franchises will take up. [97968]
§ Mr. LockThere are currently 26 solicitors' offices within the North East Region covered by the Legal Aid Board's Newcastle and Leeds area offices that either hold a legal aid franchise for immigration or are in the process of obtaining one. These solicitors' offices submitted bills for 1,150 immigration advice and assistance cases in the 12 month period 1 June 1998 to 31 May 1999. Additionally, there is a Not-for-Profit advice agency that holds an immigration franchise in the Leeds area, and is contracted to provide 1,100 hours case work per annum. The proposed contract awards for next year have not yet been agreed, but will be sent to contractors shortly.