If my broad proposals for change are accepted in principle they will in many cases require further detailed work. Nonetheless, I hope that an early start to the preparatory work can be made so that the proposals will be implemented when the new rules are introduced. This preparation should involve the drawing up of a programme for implementation, pilot schemes to test and refine my proposals, as well as developing the recommended training. I would hope to be in a position to comment on what has been achieved in my final report. This is a time of significant change for civil justice.
Legal aid is one of the means by which society ensures access to justice through the courts.
My proposals in this interim report are intended to be the initial steps to achieve the aims set out in my terms of reference. If my proposals can be co-ordinated with the changes to the provision of legal aid this will offer the maximum prospect of my proposals achieving those aims. Also James Rennie, the draftsman of the new rules, Professor Ross Cranston, my academic consultant, and Dr Richard Susskind, my consultant on information technology. Their assistance has been most valuable. However, I accept sole responsibility for the conclusions in this report.