Written question asked by Martin Salter (Labour) on Wednesday, 9 February 2000, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 14 February 2000. It was answered by David Lock (Labour) on Monday, 14 February 2000 on behalf of the Lord Chancellor's Department.

Lord Chancellors Dept

Question: To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department, what assessment he has made of the ability of the current management of the Legal Aid Board, with particular reference to the Reading Area Office, to implement planned changes to legal services.

Answer: Mr. Salter: To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what assessment he has made of the ability of the current management of the Legal Aid Board, with particular reference to the Reading Area Office, to implement planned changes to legal services. [110014] Mr. Lock: I have confidence in the ability of the current management of the Legal Aid Board to deliver the legal aid reforms successfully. My view is supported by the work of Mr. Victor Benjamin, who agreed in December 1998 to act as the Lord Chancellor's Independent Business Adviser on Legal Aid Reform. Mr. Benjamin was asked to form a view of the Board's ability to develop the managerial and strategic systems to implement the new arrangements and monitor them in the future. Mr. Benjamin visited a number of the Board's area offices, including Reading, and has expressed confidence in the ability of the Board to deliver the reformed scheme.

Secondary information