---

Carter Review (Legal Aid)

There is no doubt that the legal aid spend has been going up. There have not been cuts in the way that has sometimes been described by those who have commented. The hon. Gentleman made some points about his constituency, and I would prefer to write to him in response to them. I heard what he said, and want to make clear that I shall come back to him. A specific issue was raised about the urban-rural balance and whether there would be a greater impact in the inner cities or rural areas. The aim of the proposals is to try to get a wider range of provision in rural areas, in some of which that is currently quite limited. Members have concentrated on saying that they think that the provision that they already have might disappear, but we recognise that there are already some such issues in some areas. The aim is to improve the situation. In respect of London, the constituency of my hon. Friend the Member for Islington, North (Jeremy Corbyn) appears to be pretty well served by legal aid solicitors. He said that there had been a change in the nature of the provision, but his constituency is still pretty well served compared to some other inner-city areas. We are trying to ensure that everywhere there is the required provision of legal services for those who need them. The hon. and learned Member for Torridge and West Devon and my hon. Friend the Member for Vauxhall (Kate Hoey) discussed the role of not-for-profit organisations and citizens advice bureaux, which have a vital role. Over the years, the Legal Services Commission has made increasing use of such providers, which have accounted for much of the increasing provision of legal help, particularly in inner cities. More help is needed in London, but the volume of help there is rising.