Debates between John Howell and Shailesh Vara during the 2015-2017 Parliament

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between John Howell and Shailesh Vara
Tuesday 3rd November 2015

(8 years, 7 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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Shailesh Vara Portrait Mr Vara
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I pay tribute to my hon. Friend, who was a very distinguished Minister in the Ministry of Justice not so long ago. He is absolutely right. The concept of litigants in person is not new: it has applied for many years, indeed decades. To demystify the court process, we have put better processes in place—online guidance, guidance from court officers and judicial training—to ensure as much support from the judiciary and other legal advisers as possible.

John Howell Portrait John Howell (Henley) (Con)
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With the growth in litigants in person there has been a growth in McKenzie friends. There are two types: those who provide backgrounds to unfamiliar settings and those who act effectively as lawyers and charge for their services. What is the Minister going to do about the latter?

Shailesh Vara Portrait Mr Vara
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The concept of McKenzie friends is relatively new. [Hon. Members: “No, it’s not.”] I said relatively new. We are keeping an eye on advice and what fees, if any, are being charged.