HC Deb 12 May 1959 vol 605 cc1036-7
37. Mr. Nairn

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what proposals he has for a review of the penalties for motoring offences in Scotland.

Mr. N. Macpherson

None, Sir.

Mr. Nairn

Would my hon. Friend ask his right hon. Friend to have another look at this matter in the light of the fact that many people cannot afford the heavy cost of appeal against an unreasonable sentence? Will he also ask his right hon. Friend to reconsider the matter in the light of the reversal on appeal of the harsh sentences for relatively trivial offences recently imposed by Sheriff Frame in Ayrshire?

Mr. Macpherson

I would remind my hon. Friend that the revision of penalties in relation to motoring offences was made as recently as 1956, that legal aid is available and that the right of appeal has been used. Where it is used it does not follow that the expense will fall on the person who is successful.*

[*NOTE: See correction in c. 1249.]