HC Deb 17 November 1965 vol 720 c1122
9. Mr. Wylie

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will seek to improve the terms and conditions of service for procurators-fiscal to encourage recruitment to that service.

Mr. Willis

In August last increases of salary, effective from 1st January, 1964, were awarded to various grades of the Procurator-Fiscal service, including the recruitment grade.

Mr. Wylie

Is the hon. Member aware that, with the development of legal aid in criminal cases, there is an ever-increasing demand on the Procurator-Fiscal service, and that unless recruitment to that service is speeded very serious danger arises that the administration of criminal jurisdiction in this country will be seriously prejudiced?

Mr. Willis

I am aware of certain difficulties in connection with this service, but there are shortages of legal civil servants in practically every sphere and I do not think they are any worse in this sphere than in any other.