§ 33. Mr. Mathersasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he now is in a position to make a statement regarding the) findings of the jury at the Linlithgow Sheriff Court on 28th February, anent the death of William Gilmour Girvan; and to say what action he is taking on the jury's recommendations?
§ The Secretary of State for Scotland (Mr. Colville)I am informed that the relatives of the deceased man have made a claim for damages against the West Lothian County Council, the chief constable and one of the constables in the West Lothian police force. I regret that I am unable to make a statement pending the disposal of this claim.
§ Mr. MathersWas not the last recommendation of the jury one which called for a general order with regard to leaving prisoners in the position of the man who died, and does not the right hon. Gentleman think that the position calls for a general order to all prisons?
§ Mr. ColvilleI am considering whether my Department can take any action in the matter, but I cannot make a full statement on the case itself at the present time.
§ Mr. MathersI can quite understand that.