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What we are seeing here is the gradual retreat of the state from more or less everything. Our grandfathers who practised in the law would have acted for impecunious defendants for little money in the hope of honing their skill for more lucrative private briefs. The end of World War II brought Labour and Legal Aid, which facility has been abused on both civil and criminal sides until it has gradually been withdrawn. HMG are saying that they don't care whether the wrong people go to prison. Not very joined up thinking when the govt pay for prisons as well. The answer is that Counsel should get out of criminal law or ask their clients to borrow the necessary money to fund their defence. If legal aid is effectively abolished by these means, then the costs jurisdiction in the event of an acquittal should be restored. That way HMG should have to be sure about bringing a prosecution. There should also be individual costs consequences for prosecutors and policemen who don't disclose info against their case. Like all litigation everyone should be playing with their own money. It makes everyone more reasonable.