§ 44. Mr. PETHICK-LAWRENCEasked the Lord Advocate whether he will consider the provision of a shorthand note of all evidence in all criminal proceedings, as is at present the case in the High Court?
§ The LORD ADVOCATEShorthand notes of the evidence are taken in all cases tried on indictment whether in the High Court or the Sheriff Court. In 1934, the latest year for which complete figures are available, nearly 103,000 persons were charged before 292 Summary Criminal Courts in Scotland. In a large proportion of these cases the charges were of a trivial character. The cost of providing a shorthand note of all evidence in summary criminal prosecutions would be prohibitive, and in many instances such provision would be impracticable. Further, in view of the very 1309 limited rights of appeal available in summary proceedings, verbatim notes of evidence would serve no purpose. I therefore regret that I am unable to adopt the hon. Member's suggestion.
§ Mr. CASSELLSIn view of the fact that imprisonment may follow conviction in a summary court, will the Lord Advocate reconsider the matter?
§ The LORD ADVOCATEI am afraid that the figures I have indicated show the enormous magnitude of the task and the enormous cost which would be incurred if the suggestion were adopted. The hon. Member knows very well that the penalty of imprisonment for a small offence imposed by a court of summary jurisdiction is imprisonment for a comparatively short time.