§ Mr. SinghTo ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department in what way the Narey reforms continue to create additional duty solicitor costs; and what reasons have been identified for this. [149282]
§ Mr. LockAdditional costs have arisen as a result of the arrangements introduced to allow a defendant appearing at a Narey hearing to consult a solicitor of his or her own choice on the same basis as a court duty solicitor. These costs arose because of the way the scheme was structured; because higher rates were payable for some categories of work; and because solicitors have provided help in a wider range of cases than expected. The introduction of the general criminal contract on 2 April will provide greater control over payments for this work.