Coroners and Justice Bill

I thank the Minister for what he has said, but I am not yet satisfied. The issue is not whether in exceptional circumstances legal aid could be applied for and might be granted and whether means-testing would be involved. I was after an assurance that it would always be available without going through all the extra problems. The reason I have asked for this is based on Command Paper 7424, in which the Government specifically undertake to treat fairly the Armed Forces, their families, and veterans. This was a very specific, major paper, produced by the Government. It applies across government, not just the Ministry of Defence. This Bill and, indeed, this amendment, offer an opportunity for the Government to make it clear that they are continuing to support the thrust of what they said and what the Prime Minister said about being determined that the Armed Forces should be treated fairly. I ask the Minister to think again very carefully about the amendments in my name and that of the noble Baroness, Lady Dean of Thornton-le-Fylde.