18. Mr. Davidsonasked the Secretary of State for Scotland, on what points of the report of the Poor Persons' Representation (Scotland) Committee is there a difference of opinion among the profession and local authorities; and what steps have been taken to reconcile their views?
Mr. WedderburnThere is a difference of opinion among the profession as to the practicability of the main proposals of the Committee for the provision of legal assistance to poor persons and among the local authority associations as to the recommendation that local authorities in "large towns" should provide and remunerate a "public defensor." My right hon. Friend, in consultation with the Lord Advocate, has tried to secure a measure of agreement, but in present circumstances he can see no prospect of early legislation on the subject.