lawyers receiving Legal Aid payments.

The probe will be carried out by Management Services as a "priority''.

A report from Social Services -- responsible for handling the Legal Aid budget -- should also be ready in a week.

It will be discussed by the Minister of Health and Social Services the Hon.

Quinton Edness when he returns from a conference in Jamaica.

The moves follow a report in yesterday's Royal Gazette about some firms being driven into the red by waiting up to 12 months for Legal Aid bills to be paid.

One firm running on a bank overdraft, which does not wish to be named, claims it is owed as much as $75,000.

Two lawyers, Mr. Timothy Marshall and Mr. Phil Perinchief, have spoken publicly on the issue.

They said they were seriously considering withdrawing from the Legal Aid system.

Mr. Marshall, from Marshall & Taplin, said he could not afford to wait six to 12 months for payments.

Acting Minister of Health, Social Services and Housing the Hon. Michael Winfield yesterday voiced concern at the protests.

He pledged Government's commitment to keeping the Legal Aid fund topped up -- despite cash constraints.

Sen. Winfield, however, pointed out no formal complaints had been made about Legal Aid payment delays.

"I do find this puzzling given the gravity of the situation expressed by many in the newspaper article.'' Sen. Winfield explained the Legal Aid Committee operated under procedures set up by the Bar Council.

"It may be time for us to review those procedures.''