Forensic Scientists

Mr. Sheerman
To ask the Attorney-General if he will take measures to ensure that independent forensic scientists receive legal aid payments due to them without delay.

The Attorney-General
It is the responsibility of the solicitor who commissions a report from an expert, such as an independent forensic scientist, to pay for the report. In a legally aided case, the solicitor may then claim reimbursement of the cost of the expert's report, in accordance with legal aid regulations.