Mayhew backs Adams's legal aid

Sir Patrick Mayhew, Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, yesterday supported a decision to grant the Sinn Fein president, Gerry Adams, legal aid to fight a government ban preventing him entering Britain.

Sir Patrick said the decision showed British justice was 'fair, equal and unpartisan'.

His statement followed an announcement that the Government would investigate the legal aid decision which was based on the fact Mr Adams claims social security and has disposable income of less than pounds 2,294 a year.