Clause 15
Tribunals, Courts and Enforcement Bill
1:15 pm
Simon Hughes (Shadow Secretary of State for Constitutional Affairs & Shadow Attorney General, Constitutional Affairs; North Southwark and Bermondsey, Liberal Democrat)
I am grateful for the Minister’s generically helpful answer. I have experience of, and am involved at arm’s length with, a judicial review application at the moment on a Government decision to close the 24-hour emergency clinic at Maudsley hospital. The application was made some weeks ago and nothing has happened yet, so my honest view is that judicial reviews do not always swing into the courts on the next day after the application—although some may be quicker.
This is an important matter. The presumption should be that a judicial review for somebody who does not have the resources should be legally aided, whichever tribunal is dealing with the matter. Depending on the Minister’s answer, we would be keen to reserve the right to return to this matter. There is general concern about some important cases currently in tribunals. I hope that we can reach agreement and, if not, I give notice now that we may be able to work together to achieve an amendment on Report that would deal with the concerns.