Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Shailesh Vara and Sarah Teather

Tuesday 18th March 2014 Commons Chamber

[Mr Vara]

I confess that off the top of my head I do not know what the figures are, but I will try to find out the relevant information and I will happily write to my hon. Friend.

[Sarah Teather (Brent Central) (LD)]

In their response to the JCHR report on legal aid reform, the Government agreed to exempt sections 17 and 20 of the Children Act 1989 from the residence test. However, that exemption will not include judicial review, despite the fact that it is often the only remedy available, thereby apparently undermining the exemption that has been made. Will the Minister look closely at expanding the exemption to include judicial review?

[Mr Vara]

The Criminal Justice and Courts Bill, which is in Committee, will look at judicial review in considerable detail.