The waiting times for appointments with solicitors as at 31 May 1999 are set out in the table which I will have circulated with the Official Report. In four law centres the waiting time for an appointment was one month or less, in seven law centres it was between one and three months, in five law centres it was between three and six months, in seven law centres it was between six and 12 months, in five law centres it was between 12 and 18 months and in two law centres the waiting time was greater than 18 months.
In consultation with the Legal Aid Board, I continually monitor the position with regard to waiting times at the law centres operated by the Legal Aid Board. I am aware that waiting times in some law centres are continuing to increase notwithstanding the allocation of significant additional resources. Where waiting times, for whatever reasons, become excessive the position is examined by the board with a view to taking remedial action.