Legal Aid

Lord Low of Dalston Excerpts

Thursday 4th December 2014 Lords Chamber

[Lord Faulks]

I am not in a position to comment on the individual case but, in a number of cases, as the noble Lord will know, the legal aid scope remains. In cases of abuse, for example, it was retained. After careful scrutiny of the provisions by this House among others, we have tried to ensure that in all sorts of cases where it is most necessary there will still be legal aid.

[Lord Low of Dalston (CB)]

My Lords—

[Lord Scott of Foscote (CB)]

My Lords—

--- Later in debate ---

[Noble Lords]

Cross Bench! Low!

[Lord Low of Dalston]

My Lords, will the Government give serious consideration to making provision for the continuation of the advice services transition fund when it comes to an end next summer? That would surely be a way to ensure cost-effective provision of a basic legal advice service and, if it is to be maintained when the fund comes to an end next summer, provision will need to be made before the election.

[Lord Faulks]

The noble Lord has frequently, before this House and elsewhere, helpfully advanced suggestions for providing legal assistance other than through legal aid. The Government are grateful for those suggestions and they continue to consider the report that he provided.