HC Deb 18 January 1978 vol 942 cc449-50
32. Mr. Teddy Taylor

asked the Lord Advocate what plans he has to improve working conditions for staff at the Glasgow Sheriff Court.

The Lord Advocate

The only staff for whom I am responsible at Glasgow Sheriff Court are those in the Procurator Fiscal Service. I have arranged that most of them will move out of the sheriff courthouse to new and improved accommodation.

Mr. Taylor

Is the right hon. and learned Gentleman aware that these premises will be considerably far away from the sheriff court? Would it not be infinitely better if arrangements could be made so that the court and the staff for it were in one building? Will he also pay an urgent visit to the court, where I am sure that he will be appalled by the staff conditions and the facilities for the general public?

The Lord Advocate

I must remind the hon. Gentleman that the staff for whom I am responsible are those in the Procurator Fiscal Service. In that connection, I propose to pay an early visit to Glasgow. But I must remind the hon. Gentleman also that the problems which have led to overcrowding in the sheriff court building will be eased to some extent because it is hoped that two further courts will come into existence on 6th March. The hon. Gentleman referred to the distance of the procurator fiscal's office from the sheriff court. Distance has proved not to be any disadvantage for other sheriff courts where already these moves have taken place. I further remind the hon. Gentleman that legal practitioners for the defence are not based in the building. Indeed, there is an argument that neither side in litigation should be based in the building where the court is based.

Mr. Buchan

Will my right hon. and learned Friend seek an assurance from the hon. Member for Glasgow, Cathcart (Mr. Taylor) that if the necessary expenditure to improve the conditions for the staff at the court is allowed he will not be the first to join in an outcry about increased public expenditure?

The Lord Advocate

I think that it would be reasonable to ask the hon. Gentleman for that assurance.