Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Bill

The noble Baroness has spoken from personal experience of this issue and I hope that the Minister will take into account everything she has said. Representations on this issue have come from many sources: the Law Society, firms of solicitors practising in this area, and the National Health Service Litigation Authority. I have received—as have many noble Lords, no doubt—a letter from a firm of solicitors called Withy King, which raises two particular issues. It asks: "““What is being done to address the increase in medical negligence in the NHS and what steps are being taken to minimise the risks and ensure patient safety?””." The Minister should address this issue. It also asks: "““What is being done to ensure that the NHSLA handles litigation appropriately, settles claims quickly, makes payments when they are due and is generally fit for purpose?””." Again, it is incumbent upon the Minister to address this issue. I apologise to the noble and learned Lord, Lord Lloyd of Berwick, for being absent for part of his speech. He may have addressed these issues himself—I do not know. I had to make an urgent phone call so I apologise. There is no doubt that the issues raised by Withy King are complex, but they are essential. Therefore, I hope that the Minister will focus his attention on the points it has raised, which arise out of professional experience, and that is most important.