§ Mr. LawsTo ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department how much has been spent on publicly funded legal services in each year from 1989–90 to 2003–04 (planned), in real terms at 2000–01 prices; and if she will make a statement. [99828]
§ Ms Rosie WintertonThe figures requested, covering the period from 1989–90 to 2002–03, are shown in the table in real terms at 2000–01 prices. Plans for 2003–04 are not yet finalised. Expenditure options are being considered in the light of the Department's Spending Review settlement.
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Net Expenditure in Cash Terms £ million Civil Criminal Total 1989–90 339 476 815 1990–91 400 515 915 1991–92 548 596 1,144 1992–93 717 619 1,336 1993–94 815 629 1,444 1994–95 860 670 1,530 1995–96 887 705 1,592 1996–97 897 739 1,636 1997–98 851 790 1,641 1998–99 884 816 1,700 1999–2000 786 801 1,587
Net Expenditure in Cash Terms £ million Civil Criminal Total 2000–01 791 873 1,664 2001–02 717 959 1,676 2002–031 776 1,053 1,829 1 Estimated. The implementation of the Access to Justice Act has brought a measure of control to civil public funding and enabled the private sector to support money claims, thereby leaving public funding to help tackle social exclusion and support families. The increase in criminal public funding contributes towards the Government's agenda for tackling crime and improving confidence in the criminal justice system.