asked the Prime Minister whether she has reached a decision about the recommendations of the Royal Commission on legal services relating to ministerial responsibility for legal aid.

Yes. An order will be laid before the House transferring to the Lord Chancellor responsibility for legal aid in criminal proceedings in England and Wales. Provision will similarly be made for the Lord Chancellor to assume responsibility for costs in criminal cases.It is intended that the Lord Chancellor will also assume responsibility for both civil and criminal legal aid in Northern Ireland when this is administratively possible.