§ Mrs. Curtis-ThomasTo ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Department for Constitutional Affairs when the Criminal Defence Service will announce the result of its consultation into the provision of funding to suspects before charge. [164335]
§ Mr. LammyThe Government announced on 2 February that it intends to make a number of changes to the Criminal Defence Service. The changes follow a full consultation and are designed to improve value for money by targeting criminal legal aid more efficiently on more serious offences. Funding is currently available for legal advice and assistance to suspects before charge, and there are no plans to remove this.