§ 33. Mr. Canavanasked the Lord Advocate how many residents of West Stirlingshire have been prosecuted at Airdrie Sheriff Court since the reorganisation of the sheriffdoms.
§ The Lord AdvocateSince 16th May 1975 there have been 50 prosecutions relating to residents of West Stirlingshire.
§ Mr. CanavanIs my right hon. and learned Friend aware of the great inconvenience that is caused by members of the legal profession and citizens in the Kilsyth area by having to travel to the Airdrie Sheriff Court? Is he aware that there is virtually no public transport? Will he consult his colleagues in the Scottish Office about the possibility of using a suitable building in the Kilsyth-Cumbernauld district to serve the dual function of a district court and a sheriff court?
§ The Lord AdvocateOf these 50 cases, 43 originated from offences in the Kilsyth district. Airdrie is the nearest sheriff court. According to my information there is a reasonable public service available from Kilsyth to Coatbridge and Airdrie. There is a bus service from Coatbridge to Airdrie. It seems that on balance the nearest sheriff court is the most appropriate court.
§ Mrs. BainWill the right hon. and learned Gentleman investigate the public transport system in the area of Airdrie? I can assure him that my constituents have experienced exactly the same problems as those experienced by constituents of the hon. Member for West Stirlingshire (Mr. Canavan).
§ The Lord AdvocateI recognise that the availability of public transport is an important element in considering the convenience of a sheriff court.