asked the Attorney-General whether he is satisfied with progress on the establishment and costing of the proposed duty solicitor scheme; and whether he will make a statement.

The Government are considering urgently proposals from the Law Society, which is responsible for setting up the 24-hour duty solicitor scheme.

asked the Attorney-General whether the proposed duty solicitor scheme will include a nationwide telephone scheme to enable people held in police custody to contact friends or relatives to secure the services of a solicitor.

Decisions on this will be taken shortly.