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David, people used to talk about abuse of the green form scheme. I think that in the most part this was an urban myth. A rogue solicitor can work any system, there are still some out there now, we could probably all name one. However, the green form scheme was an excellent way of helping people quickly and with a myriad of problems. It was done at the cheapest rate of pay, cheaper than work done on a certificate. So I could help a client with debt which could often lead to a resolution of their housing issues because now they had an agreement to pay arrears and thus avoid being made homeless with their children. This required me quickly filling in a form. It did not require panel status, someone else to monitor the panel, it didn't require an expensive use of my time or the LABs applying for a certificate, it didn't require a whole team of LAB staff to come in and audit my files, thus wasting more of my time and theirs. It was an efficient and cheap method of helping many people and it allowed us to take a holistic approach. Compare that with the situation today. On another note I once listened to Geoff Hoon in Newcastle say to us we will squeeze you lawyers on legal aid until you squeal like pigs! Jacqueline Emmerson.