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Legal Services Bill [HL]

My Lords, I support what the noble Lord, Lord Carlile, said, particularly with regard to the west of England, where I live for part of the year. It is important that one recognises that the noble Lord, Lord Whitty, who undoubtedly supports a large proportion of consumers, does not support all consumers. There are small consumers who have real needs. Whether it is to be seen under Amendment No. 252, 253 or 254, there are small people who need help from local firms of solicitors and those local firms may not survive this grand new scheme that the Government have produced. I am speaking on behalf of some rural communities, but it is equally appropriate to speak on behalf of small areas on the outskirts of big cities. One has to say that what is suggested in Amendments Nos. 252 to 254 has real merit. They should be seriously considered by the Government. I support the amendment moved by the noble Lord, Lord Kingsland.