Law reform minister's firm paid £200,000 from legal aid It states: "Helen Grant MP, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State, and her husband are equity partners and designated members of Grants Solicitors LLP, providers of professional services to the LSC [Legal Services Commission]. Total payments to Grant Solicitors LLP in 2012-13 were £384,018 of which £219,751 were made on or after 4 September 2012. Her parliamentary register of interests claims that she no longer receives an income from the firm. But Labour suggested the minister had provided a misleading statement as she stands to benefit from her half-share in the company in future. Her husband is the only other shareholder. Andy Slaughter, the shadow justice minister, wrote to Mrs Grant's department tonight. Does Mrs Grant have any continuing interest in a firm of solicitors? If so, why does the Register [of MPs" interests] state that she no longer has such an interest?" he asked. Does Mrs Grant currently have any ministerial responsibility for legal aid? If not, why has she answered Parliamentary Questions on the subject? Mrs Grant was made justice minister last September despite being a prominent critic of attempts to cut legal aid by £350 million a year. Chris Grayling, the Justice Secretary, is at odds with the legal profession over his reforms, and the disclosure that one of his ministers is a beneficiary of the system, described by senior government figures as a "gravy train," is embarrassing. Grants Solicitors, in Croydon, Surrey, was formed in 1996, specialising in helping domestic violence victims. A Ministry of Justice spokesman said day-to-day management of the firm passed to Mrs Grant's husband when she became an MP. To avoid any conflict or potential conflict of interest it was agreed with the Justice Secretary and the Permanent Secretary that her portfolio should not include legal aid and that she should avoid becoming involved in departmental decision-making in this area. Helen Grant has complied fully with the Ministerial Code. The Department claimed that the reference to legal aid on her biography had been an administrative error.