HC Deb 29 April 1937 vol 323 cc509-10
68. Mr. R. Gibson

asked the Lord Advocate whether he has considered the charges for transcripts of shorthand notes taken in the Supreme Court of England, namely, 10d. a folio for the first copy and 2d. a folio for all other copies; whether he is aware that the corresponding charges in Scotland are much higher, as are also similar charges for transcripts in the sheriff courts in Scotland; and whether he proposes to take any and, if so, what steps to secure equally favourable treatment for litigants in the Scottish courts?

Mr. Wedderburn

It is the case that the charges for transcripts of shorthand notes proposed in the report of the committee recently set up by the Lord Chancellor are lower than those prescribed by Act of Sederunt in Scotland. As was indicated in answer to a question by the hon. and learned Member on 6th April, the position is being watched in the light of experimental changes which are being made in England: but I am at present unable to say what changes, if any, may be feasible in Scotland.

Mr. Cassells

Can the Under-Secretary say when we may be able to get information on this very important subject?

Mr. Wedderburn

I cannot say.