asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will introduce legislation for simplifying, and making less expensive to the applicant, the process whereby a person held on a criminal charge before trial can apply for bail before a judge in chambers.

The procedure for making application for bail before a judge in chambers is governed by Rules of the Supreme Court. If my hon. Friend has any suggestions for their revision, my right hon. Friend will ensure that they are given careful consideration.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will introduce legislation to extend the provisions of the legal aid scheme to cover applications for bail before a judge in chambers.

I would refer my hon. Friend to my observations on this subject during the debate on the Adjournment on Friday, 4th December.