§ 33. Lord James Douglas-Hamiltonasked the Lord Advocate whether he will consider any recommendation from the Scottish Law Commission to establish a Department of Legal Affairs.
§ The Lord Advocate (Mr. Ronald King Murray)Any recommendation from the Scottish Law Commission, including any recommendation for the establishment of a Department of Legal Affairs, will be most carefully considered by Her Majesty's Government. The hon. Gentleman will, however, recall that, in answer to a Question which he asked me on 11th February 1976, I indicated the Government's view that, after devolution, the decision whether or not to implement any such recommendation would fall properly to the Scottish administration. This remains the Government's position.
§ Lord James Douglas-HamiltonDoes it not therefore follow that the Government intend to leave the final decision on this matter to the future Scottish Assembly, once established?
§ The Lord AdvocateNo inference for or against that view can be drawn yet. 452 The Government are considering the many representations made to them and will have to reach a view on them.
§ Mr. BuchanEven before the establishment of a legal department takes place, will my right hon. and learned Friend consider again submitting the case of Patrick Meehan to the Secretary of State for consideration, particularly in the light of the Devlin Report and the question of identification? This is a matter of great anxiety and disquiet in Scotland.
§ The Lord AdvocateI am answering a later Question on that subject.