HC Deb 24 March 1937 vol 321 cc2904-5
106. Mr. Pethick-Lawrence

asked the Lord Advocate whether he is now prepared to reconsider his attitude towards the refusal by procurators-fiscal to give names and addresses of their witnesses to the defence in summary cases?

The Lord Advocate

As I stated in answer to a question by the hon. Member on 28th July, 1936, it is the practice for the names of witnesses for the Crown to be furnished to the defence in cases arising out of motor accidents, and in any other case in which Crown Counsel consider that it is reasonable that such information should be supplied. The practice works satisfactorily, and I see no cause to alter it.

Mr. Pethick-Lawrence

Is the Lord Advocate aware that, although in theory the position is the same as it is in England, in practice it works out differently, because in England an adjournment can be obtained in cases where the defence asks for one, whereas in Scotland it is very unusual to grant such a request?

The Lord Advocate

I am not aware of any practical difficulty arising under the present system. I can assure the hon. Gentleman that this question has been considered again and again by my predecessors and myself, and it has not been found possible to devise any better method than that which is at present being used.