A truly fascinating piece which deserves a full read.

What jumps out to me in particular is the quote from the government's White Paper in 1948 heralding the introduction of legislation

“to provide legal advice for those of slender means and resources, so that no one would be financially unable to prosecute a just and reasonable claim or defend a legal right; and to allow counsel and solicitors to be remunerated for their services.”

Just imagine that.....halcyon days.