Scottish Women And Legal Aid

EDM number 742 in 1995-96, proposed by Ray Michie on 17/04/1996.

That this House expresses its concern that hundreds of women are locked in violent relationships because they are being denied access to legal aid, according to a recent report by Scottish Women's Aid; notes that the number of cases refused after the offer of legal aid was made rose by over 550 from 1993-94 to 1994-95 because of high fees and the small amount of legal aid available; further notes that the majority of cases relate to family and matrimonial matters; believes that people on benefits or very low wages should not be asked for large financial payments towards protection which might save their lives; and calls on the Government to change the system so that all women on benefits qualify for full legal aid.

This motion has been signed by a total of 24 MPs.