UK Parliament / Open data

Criminal Justice and Immigration Bill

I am almost speechless—and, as your Lordships know, I have been known to chatter a bit. We are talking about £800,000. What did the Government spend on the Dome? Around £800 million, because the noble and learned Lord, Lord Falconer, encouraged them to. Yet they cannot find £800,000 to represent the most poor and vulnerable in court. I am convinced that it costs the courts more than £800,000 not to have them represented. Perhaps the Minister owes me dinner on the extra money that is being spent by the courts in saving £800,000. That is pathetic, and I have every intention of coming back to the issue on Report. I sincerely hope that on that occasion I will get even more support than I have had today. Through gritted teeth, I beg leave to withdraw the amendment. Amendment, by leave, withdrawn. [Amendments Nos. 13 to 17 not moved.]
Type
Proceeding contribution
Reference
698 c1012 
Session
2007-08
Chamber / Committee
House of Lords chamber
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