England

8Legal advice etc.

1

Subject to subsections (2) and (4), a scheme may make such provision as the Secretary of State thinks fit—

a

for the provision of legal advice without charge to individuals seeking redress under the scheme;

b

for the provision in connection with proceedings under the scheme of other services, including the services of medical experts.

2

A scheme must make such provision as the Secretary of State considers appropriate in order to secure that individuals to whom an offer under the scheme is made have access to legal advice without charge in relation to—

a

the offer, and

b

any settlement agreement.

3

Provision under subsection (1)(a) or (2) about who may provide the legal advice may operate by reference to whether a potential provider is included in a list prepared by a specified person.

4

A scheme that makes provision for the provision of the services of medical experts must provide for such experts to be instructed jointly by the scheme authority and the individual seeking redress under the scheme.