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Topical question asked in the House of Commons, by Karl Turner (Labour). It was answered on Tuesday, 4 February 2014 on behalf of the Ministry of Justice.


Topical Questions

Question

Why is the Legal Aid Agency expanding the Public Defender Service and recruiting barristers when reports from as far back as 2007 have found that it is between 40% and 90% more expensive than the independent professions? Furthermore, it cannot act in cases of conflict.

Answer

The Public Defender Service was, of course, set up by the previous Labour Government, and it is always important to ensure that it is staffed properly.


Secondary information

Type
Oral question
Reference
575 c136 
Session
2013-14
Oral question type
Supplementary
Chamber / Committee
House of Commons chamber
Subjects
Public Defender Service
Link
View this Topical question on www.publications.parliament.uk