To ask the Secretary of State for Justice what plans his Department has to re-introduce a graduated fee system for legal aid rates in replacement of the fixed rate fee system. (158223)

The fixed fee schemes being introduced for civil, family, immigration and criminal legally aided work set fees for particular tasks or groups of tasks. Thus the fees are graduated according to the requirements of work. This move from remuneration for each hour worked to payment for each job done is an essential part of our strategy for reform of legal aid.