§ 9. Mr. Mathersasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he has con- 190 sidered the findings of the jury recorded at Linlithgow Sheriff Court on 28th February upon the circumstances attending the death, in Edinburgh Royal Infirmary, of William Gilmour Girvan, after his arrest and detention at Bo'ness police office, on 2nd January; and whether he proposes to take action, in accordance with the jury's recommendations, as to this particular case, and generally?
§ The Lord Advocate (Mr. T. M. Cooper)A verbatim report of the evidence led at this inquiry is being obtained with a view to determining whether any action is called for on the part of the criminal authorities. Until Crown counsel have completed their examination I am not in a position to make any statement.
§ Mr. MathersWhen will the Lord Advocate be in a position to make a further statement? May I ask him, also, to draw the attention of the Secretary of State to the last recommendation of the jury, which was to the effect that a person in the condition of this unfortunate man should not be left in a cell.
§ The Lord AdvocateI expect that the examination of the question will be completed in a few days, and as soon as the legal authorities have disposed of the case, the matter will be passed to my right hon. Friend from the point of view of police administration.