Government is to expand legal aid and extend it to lawyers advising clients straight after arrest all the way up to their first court appearance.

Minister of Health and Family Services Patrice Minors will table the new bill in the House of Assembly today.

She said: ?This legislation is the most dynamic reform to the area of legal aid and the administration of justice in this area for many years.?

As well as covering those crucial hours after arrest the Act will expand the number of people on legal aid and increase representation available to clients on legal aid said the minister.

Financial help will be available for bail hearings and other incidental proceedings.

Officers in charge of police stations and prisons will have to inform prisoners of their right to legal aid.

Mrs. Minors said: ?This legislation represents the fulfilment of a promise made by this government to make the delivery of services to clients of the legal aid programme more efficient.

?This legislation should be welcomed by the entire community as legal aid is provided in many areas of law and not just criminal cases.?

Mrs. Minors said the Legal Aid Amendment Act 2003 demonstrated Government?s commitment to ordinary working people who should have access to quality services in the community.

Debate on the bill is likely to take place on November 28.