But the Legal Services Commission said it "strongly" disputed claims there was too much paperwork involved in contracting legal aid work.

BBC: NEWS | UK | 'Deepening crisis' for legal aid

Justice Minister Mr Wright wrote that legal aid payments for Mr Qatada's case had been paid by the Legal Services Commission (LSC).

BBC: Abu Qatada legal aid at ?500,000

The bill abolishes the Legal Services Commission and transfers responsibilities for legal aid in England and Wales to the Ministry of Justice.

BBC: Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Bill

The bill abolishes the Legal Services Commission and transfers responsibilities for legal aid in England and Wales to the Ministry of Justice (MoJ).

BBC: Legal Aid Bill part two

The bill also abolishes the Legal Services Commission and transfers responsibilities for legal aid in England and Wales to the Ministry of Justice (MoJ).

BBC: Legal Aid and Sentencing Bill part two