Transforming Legal Aid Debate

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Department: Ministry of Justice

Transforming Legal Aid

Bob Stewart Excerpts
Thursday 5th September 2013

(11 years, 2 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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Lord Grayling Portrait Chris Grayling
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That has been a central part of what we have agreed with the Law Society; there has been an acceptance from both of us that these changes will lead to consolidation. They will lead to bigger, but not giant, firms, which are more equipped to deal with a tough financial climate but will continue to deliver a quality service. That is what we are looking to achieve.

Bob Stewart Portrait Bob Stewart (Beckenham) (Con)
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Does my right hon. Friend agree that a minimum of £225 plus VAT a day for a barrister in a court case is very fair?

Lord Grayling Portrait Chris Grayling
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I hope that it is fair. The aim is to ensure that there is a degree of certainty in all of this. We have put in place a taper mechanism, which I believe will reassure younger members of the Bar about the amounts they will be paid for the work they do in trials. That seemed to me to be a sensible development in our original proposal, and I hope that it will be welcomed.