To ask the Solicitor-General what recent discussions she has had with the Law Society and the Bar Council on proposals to change levels of remuneration for prosecuting lawyers in the criminal courts. (316146)

The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), superintended by the Attorney-General, has responsibility for negotiating any changes to levels of remuneration for lawyers prosecuting its cases in criminal courts.

CPS officials meet with the Remuneration Committee of the Bar Council to discuss remuneration arrangements for self-employed barrister advocates and they last met on 1 February 2010. At that meeting CPS officials discussed with the Remuneration Committee options for re-structuring the CPS graduated fee scheme.

The CPS does not engage in discussions with the Law Society regarding remuneration for prosecuting lawyers because few solicitor advocates are instructed by CPS and when they are arrangements will mirror those for self-employed barristers.