HC Deb 15 May 1956 vol 552 c1809
22. Mrs. Mann

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he is aware of complaints by litigants of the prolonged delay before their cases can be heard in the Court of Session; if he will explain the cause of this delay; and what steps he will take to reduce it to a minimum.

Mr. J. Stuart

I understand that cases are being brought to trial more quickly since the appointment of an additional judge, and I am not aware of any recent complaints.

Mrs. Mann

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the complaints are not that there are insufficient judges, but that even when a judge is available to hear a case there is no accommodation for him? Would the Minister look into this question of accommodation for the judge?

Mr. Stuart

Perhaps the hon. Lady did not know, but it is the fact that an extra court room for jury trials was brought into use at the beginning of the summer session in 1954.