Criminal Justice Act 1967

77 Means inquiry by the Supplementary Benefits Commission.

(1) At any time after a person has applied for legal aid a court having power to make a legal aid order under section 73 of this Act or an order under the last foregoing section may, and shall on an application made by a legally assisted person in the prescribed circumstances and within the prescribed time, request the Supplementary Benefits Commission to inquire into his means and the Commission shall comply with the request and report on his means to the court.

(2) Where the court receives a report under the foregoing subsection before making an order under the last foregoing section, the court shall in determining whether or not to make such an order and in determining the terms of the order have regard to the report.

(3) Where the court receives any such report after making an order under the last foregoing section, it shall reconsider the order and may vary its terms in the light of the report.