§ Mr. DrewTo ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department how many applications for legal aid have been refused since the new rules were introduced. [77847]
§ Yvette Cooper[holding answer 29 October 2002]: Following the implementation of the Access to Justice Act 2000, which led to the creation of the Community Legal Service on 1 April 2000, 61,921 applications for civil legal representation have been refused up to and including March 2002. However, some of these applications may have gone on to be granted following an appeal.
2001–02 2000–01 1999–2000 1998–99 1997–98 Recruitment (admin costs) South Eastern 17,700 18,600 13,800 10,700 0 CSHQ (London) 75,900 40,700 20,000 71,800 15,000 LCD HQ (London) 195,402 325,767 217,442 148,530 113,473 Total 1289,002 385,067 251,242 231,030 128,473 Recruitment (staff costs) South Eastern 373,151 2— CSHQ (London) 3— LCD HQ (London) 24,683 Total 397,834 Public Guardianship Office (London)4 121,654 173,737 11,376 1 2001–02 on accruals basis. 2 Information not available. 3 Included in figures for South Eastern. 4 Admin and paybill costs combined.
§ Mr. KeyTo ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what progress she has made on reorganisation of magistrates' courts in Wiltshire; and if she will make a statement. [72612]
§ Yvette Cooper[holding answer 15 October 2002]: I am still considering the representations made to me by the Wiltshire county council and the Wiltshire Magistrates Committee at a meeting together with the hon. Member for Westbury.
I will write to the hon. Member once I have made my decision on the appeal against the closure of the Courthouses at Trowbridge and Devizes.