In brief: QCs subject to standard criminal fees

Standard fees in criminal cases are set to be extended to QCs. The fixed-fee system will also be broadened to include Crown Court cases lasting up to 10 days. The Lord Chancellor is currently in tough negotiations with the Law Society and the Bar Council and new regulations are expected to be announced in the spring. Figures released last week in Parliament reveal that an estimated 50 barristers received more than u100,000 in fees (excluding VAT and travelling) for criminal legal aid work in 1993-94.