At present, individuals acquitted of a criminal charge in a Crown Court are able to claim back reasonable, out-of-pocket legal expenses.

The Government has made proposals which are complex in places, but essentially it is considering removing this established right as a cost-cutting measure for those not on legal aid.

It inconsistently promises to uphold the right to an interpreter (costing £12million a year) so an accused person has a chance of understanding a charge and defending themselves, but not the right of an innocent layman to understand the law (estimated at nearer £8m).

Remember that prosecutions can cover relatively ordinary matters, such as motoring, where the authorities have been found to be less than perfect. One in five Crown Court cases gives an innocent verdict, often on a judge's advice.

The Government has voted through an extra £1billion a year to subsidise our competitors in the EU. It would do better to put its own house in order rather than toying with a pernicious tax on innocent people, particularly those thrifty enough to build some savings?

Readers can respond to the official consultation until January 29 - see www.newalliance.org.uk/innocent.htm or send a SAE for our free fact sheet.

Brian Mooney,

Campaign Manager, New Alliance Fulham SW6 6ZU