17303 (2025). Hon Dr Duncan Webb to the Minister of Justice

17303 (2025). Hon Dr Duncan Webb to the Minister of Justice: Is he concerned that a proposed decrease in the number of Court of Appeal and Supreme Court cases accepted by the Public Defence Service could have a negative impact on the courts' role uncovering miscarriages of justice, and if not, why not?

Hon Paul Goldsmith: No. Both Public Defence Service lawyers and lawyers in the private profession hold the same Legal Aid approval listing to be able to undertake legally aided senior court appeals. Should there be a reduction in the number of senior court appeals done by the Public Defence Service, there are a sufficient number of private lawyers with the appropriate approval listing to undertake this work.