(1)There shall be established a body to be known as the Scottish Legal Aid Board (in this Act referred to as “the Board”).
(2)The Board shall have the general functions—
(a)of securing that legal aid and advice and assistance are available in accordance with this Act; and
(b)of administering the Fund.
[F1(2A)The Board also has the general function of monitoring the availability and accessibility of legal services in Scotland (including by reference to any relevant factor relating particularly to rural or urban areas).]
(3)The Board shall consist of not less than 11 and not more than 15 members appointed by the Secretary of State; and the Secretary of State shall appoint one of the members to be chairman.
(4)The Secretary of State shall appoint to membership of the Board—
(a)at least two members of the Faculty of Advocates;
(b)at least two members of the Law Society; and
(c)at least one other person having experience of the procedure and practice of the courts.
(5)Before appointing persons to be members of the Board in pursuance of either paragraph (a) or paragraph (b) of subsection (4) above, the Secretary of State shall consult with the professional body mentioned in that paragraph.
(6)Schedule 1 to this Act shall have effect with respect to the Board.
Textual Amendments
F1S. 1(2A) inserted (1.4.2011) by Legal Services (Scotland) Act 2010 (asp 16), ss. 141(a), 150(2); S.S.I. 2011/180, art. 3, sch.