The program is administered largely by the Law Society. Applicants must meet certain financial criteria, and legal aid may be denied under some circumstances even though these are met. Under the program, the defendant selects a solicitor from a listing posted in every police department and Law Society office. Under the Green Form rule, solicitors also may provide up to a half hour of legal advice to clients regardless of client income. If legal aid includes representation, the solicitor must obtain prior court approval, and the Legal Aid office approves the amount of compensation. For appeals and trials in Crown Court, defendants can apply for legal aid for a barrister. Requests for legal aid in civil proceedings are approved on the basis of disposable income limits and merit of the case. In early 1986, the Thatcher Government appointed a committee to seek ways of making legal aid more cost efficient, including abandonment of the Green Form in civil matters. While future stresses on the program, including less funding and restrictions on legal advice, are likely, the principle of legal assistance for the poor is well established and public support for the program is likely to continue. 66 footnotes.