LEGAL AID REFORM

Early day motion 537, tabled 18 December 2006 by Keith Vaz (Labour). Signed by 156 members.

That this House, while accepting that the legal aid system is in need of reform, is concerned that the Government's planned implementation of Lord Carter's proposals could force several hundred law firms out of business leaving vulnerable clients without access to effective representation; is concerned that the proposals identified in the Carter Review could further endanger the supplier base; notes that the changes to the proposals announced by the Government on 28th November 2006, while welcome, do not go far enough; welcomes the Law Society's `What Price Justice' campaign to boost awareness of the potential risk to the most vulnerable people in society and notes that it is supported by MIND, the NSPCC, Shelter, the Refugee Council, the Child Poverty Action Group and others; and calls upon the Government to guarantee a legal aid system ensuring quality representation and fair access to justice for all.

Signatures by party: Labour 78, Liberal Democrat 46, Conservative 25, Plaid Cymru 3, Social Democratic and Labour Party 2, Independent 1, Independent Labour 1.