HC Deb 16 May 1938 vol 336 cc27-8
56. Mr. R. Gibson

asked the Lord Advocate whether he will ascertain how the cost of shorthand-writers' services in pauper cases, civil and criminal, respectively, are met in the English High Court and county courts, respectively; and whether he has any statement to make regarding the meeting of such costs incurred in the Court of Session, High Court and sheriff courts in Scotland, respectively, out of public funds?

The Lord Advocate (Mr. T. M. Cooper)

I am sending to the hon. and learned Gentleman the information which I have been able to obtain in answer to the first part of the question. The answer to the second part is in the negative.

Mr. Gibson

In regard to the latter part of the question, is it not the case that in Scotland in criminal trials in the sheriff court and in the High Court, both in poor and in other causes, shorthand-writers' costs are borne by the State, and is he aware that participation in those costs is not available to all shorthand-writers, and that there is an acute sense of dissatisfaction among shorthand-writers who do not participate in those costs but who have to do the work gratuitously in poor civil causes?

The Lord Advocate

I suggest that the hon. and learned Member should await the receipt of my letter and then confer with me on the subject.