Criminal Trial Acquittals (Costs)

Part of Oral Answers to Questions — Justice – in the House of Commons at 2:30 pm on 10 November 2009.

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Photo of Bridget Prentice Bridget Prentice Parliamentary Under-Secretary, Ministry of Justice 2:30, 10 November 2009

Where the hon. Lady is mistaken is in her understanding of the system. First, it is essential that we target our resources effectively. Secondly, what will be paid from central funds is costs at the same level as legal aid costs. If people wish to pay more than that, that is entirely up them and it is a choice that they make. They will be paid from central funds costs equivalent to legal aid, had they been entitled to it. That is a fair way of distributing funds that are taxpayers' money and that we have to spend effectively.