HC Deb 05 February 1962 vol 653 cc18-9
24. Mr. Hannan

asked the Lord Advocate if he will state, for each of the last two years up to any convenient date, how many cases waited for a period of four months or more from the date of the alleged offence and the date of trial at Glasgow sheriffs' courts.

The Under-Secretary of State for Scotland (Mr. R. Brooman-White)

As the administrative arrangements for the sheriff courts are the responsibility of my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland, I have been asked to reply.

This information is not readily available, but I am making inquiries and 1 shall write to the hon. Member as soon as possible.

Mr. Hannan

The fact that the answer cannot be provided by the Lord Advocate, who is responsible for the courts, will cause very great consternation in Scotland. Is the hon. Gentleman not aware that the number of cases outstanding for six months is extremely high as a result of the quite inadequate accommodation at the courts and the shortage of fiscals and sheriffs-substitute? Has his attention been drawn to the case on Friday last of a Glasgow solicitor fined £10 for turning up ten minutes late? Is it not unfair that solicitors and public witnesses should be subject to penalties like that while the courts themselves may act with impunity because of lack of facilities?

Mr. Brooman-White

On the first point, my right hon. and learned Friend the Lord Advocate is responsible for prosecutions but the responsibility for the administration of the courts rests with the Secretary of State. On the question of staffing, an additional sheriff-substitute was appointed some months ago, and my right hon. Friend will consider the need for any further appointment.

Miss Herbison

Since the Minister is almost certain to find that there are very long delays in these courts, how soon may we expect him to take measures to reduce the delays considerably? He must be aware of the very great hardships caused to many people, particularly those ultimately found to be innocent of the charges.

Mr. Brooman-White

We are aware of the difficulties and we are very concerned that steps should be taken to meet them.

Mr. Hannan

In view of the unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I beg to give notice that I shall seek an early opportunity to raise the matter on the Adjournment.