To ask the Secretary of State for Justice if he will publish an equality impact assessment of the proposals contained in his Department's consultation, Transforming Legal Aid.

Between 9 April and 4 June 2013 the Government consulted on a number of proposals to reform legal aid via the “Transforming Legal Aid: delivering a more credible and efficient system” consultation. We have been clear we must continue to bear down on the cost of legal aid, including nearly £1 billion of taxpayers' money spent on criminal legal aid a year, to ensure we are getting the best deal for the taxpayer.

The Government is mindful of the importance of considering the impact of the legal aid proposals on different groups. In accordance with our duties under the Equality Act 2010 we have considered the impact of the proposals on individuals sharing protected characteristics in order to give due regard to the need to eliminate unlawful conduct, advance equality of opportunity, and foster good relations.

This equalities assessment was published as a part of the main consultation document. It is Annex K and starts on page 142. We are now considering all responses to the consultation and will update our assessment in light of any additional information.