§ Dr. CableTo ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department when the Government propose next to review fully the(a) salaries and (b) salary structure of (i) legal aid lawyers, (ii) legal aid support staff and (iii) legal aid solicitors; and if she will make a statement. [36728]
§ Ms Rosie WintertonThe Legal Services Commission (LSC) employs a small number of lawyers (barristers and solicitors) and support staff in the Public Defender Service. The first office was opened in May 2001 and there are no immediate plans to review salary structures.
Other than this, the LSC does not pay salaries to lawyers (barristers or solicitors) or support staff carrying out publicly funded work. The Department and the Commission are, however, concerned that the levels of remuneration paid to lawyers by the Commission from the Community Legal Service Fund and the Criminal Defence Service should ensure appropriate provision of legal advice and representation.
§ Dr. CableTo ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department when the Government last fully reviewed the legal aid system; and when they propose to do so next. [36727]
§ Ms Rosie WintertonThe Modernising Justice White Paper, published in December 1998, set out proposals for major reforms to the legal aid system in England and Wales. These reforms, which were introduced by the Access to Justice Act 1999, were largely implemented on or after April 2000. We are confident that the system is meeting its stated objectives. We have no plans for a full review of the system, although we do keep aspects of the system under regular review.