What discussions he has had with the Secretary of State for Justice on the effect of the Government's legal aid proposals in Wales.

I recently met my right hon. Friend the Justice Secretary to discuss matters relating to Wales, including the proposed reforms to criminal legal aid in England and Wales. I have also met Welsh representatives of the legal profession to hear their views on the proposed changes.

Research by the Monmouthshire Law Society found that law firms serving Gwent would have to make up to 15 members of staff redundant if they lost their criminal legal aid contract. Does the Minister share their belief that these changes are the final nail in high street law firms in Wales?

No, I do not. It is clear that there have to be reductions in legal aid spend, and a consultation is ongoing. Recently, my right hon. Friend the Justice Secretary made it clear that, having listened to representations, he believed that choice is important both to clients and to solicitors, and choice will be incorporated in the final proposals. [Interruption.]

Order. There are some very noisy private conversations taking place in the Chamber. Let us hear Mr Chris Ruane.

The legal aid cuts in my constituency will affect many of my constituents. They will also be affected by the closure of the Rhyl family court, the closure of the Rhyl Army recruitment centre, the closure of the Rhyl tax office and, on top of all that, the closure of the Crown post office. How will that help the regeneration of Rhyl?

With regard to legal aid, I can only reiterate the answer I gave Chris Evans: the Government’s proposals are to ensure that choice is available to clients and solicitors’ firms.