RESTRICTIONS ON LEGAL AID

Early day motion 1805, tabled 22 October 2003 by Neil Gerrard (Labour). Signed by 64 members.

That this House urges the Government not to implement the proposals in the Department of Constitutional Affairs consultation paper which seek to put rigid limits on the number of hours of legally aided work which can be carried out on asylum and immigration cases; believes that good quality legal representation is in the best interests not only of the applicant, but also in ensuring that cases are dealt with efficiently and that unnecessary appeals and delays are thereby avoided; believes that it is irrational to suggest that however complex a case may be, a limit of five hours for any asylum case, three hours for any immigration case, and four hours for an appeal is always sufficient; notes that the Legal Services Commission already has the powers to deal with legal practitioners found to be overclaiming or providing a poor quality service; further believes that these proposals if implemented will have the perverse effect of driving the more conscientious solicitors out of legally aided work, while those providing poor quality service will have no compunction about presenting inadequately prepared cases to the detriment of their clients; and is concerned about the serious impact this will have on the constituents of many honourable and Right honourable Members who will be either badly represented or not represented at all.

Signatures by party: Labour 34, Liberal Democrat 24, Labour/Co-operative 4, Conservative 1, Scottish National Party 1.