Chamber
Plenary, 22 Mar 2007
22 Mar 2007 · S2 · Plenary
Item of business
SCOTTISH EXECUTIVE
Legal Aid (Civil Cases)
Justice and Law Officers
Is the minister concerned that many people who try to pursue civil cases under employment and family law or to tackle big business are unable to access due process because legal aid is capped in such cases, which leaves solicitors unable to carry out the required work? That situation has created what are described as "advice deserts", which means that poorer people in society do not have adequate access to justice. Will the minister guarantee that everyone in society can fully access justice in all areas?
In the same item of business
9. Rosie Kane (Glasgow) (SSP):
SSP
To ask the Scottish Executive how much legal aid has been provided to those pursuing civil cases in the last year. (S2O-12432)
The Deputy Minister for Justice (Johann Lamont):
Lab
In 2005-06, the cost of providing legal aid on matters of civil law was £50.3 million. That includes advice and assistance as well as civil legal aid. In 200...
Rosie Kane:
SSP
Is the minister concerned that many people who try to pursue civil cases under employment and family law or to tackle big business are unable to access due p...
Johann Lamont:
Lab
I make it clear that 60 per cent of all civil legal aid applicants are successful and that of those, three quarters make no contribution whatever.There is a ...
Phil Gallie (South of Scotland) (Con):
Con
Will the minister advise me what proportion of that £50-plus million has been paid under civil law for people who are incarcerated in Scottish prisons? If sh...
Johann Lamont:
Lab
I do not want to mislead the member. If my officials have those figures available, I will make sure that he receives them. We are clearly committed to a civi...