§ 30. Mr. RuffleyTo ask the Solicitor-General what recent discussions he has had regarding McKenzie Friends with other Government Departments. [113402]
The Solicitor-GeneralAs hon. Members may know, a McKenzie Friend is someone who attends a court hearing with a litigant in person. The friend can assist that litigant in person in conducting their case but is not formally representing them and is not entitled to address the court on their behalf. The use of McKenzie Friends is part of the operation of the Court Service and therefore primarily the concern of the Lord Chancellor's Department. I personally have not had any recent discussions with other Government Departments on this subject.