HC Deb 15 March 1978 vol 946 c438
34. Mr. Teddy Taylor

asked the Lord Advocate when he next intends to visit Glasgow Sheriff Court.

The Lord Advocate

I have no immediate plans to visit Glasgow Sheriff Court.

Mr. Taylor

Is not the Lord Advocate very concerned at the unpaid fines in sheriff courts, as reported yesterday, which now amount to almost £1 million? Does the right hon. and learned Gentleman feel that this problem might bring the whole court system into disrepute?

The Lord Advocate

Although I am concerned, that matter does not come within my ministerial province. The hon. Gentleman would be wise to table a specific question to my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland. He has mentioned the problems of Glasgow Sheriff Court. As he is interested in the matter, I point out to him that two additional sheriff and jury courts came into operation last week.

Mr. Reid

Is the Lord Advocate aware of the considerable anger among Scottish prison officers at their low pay and the proposal to go slow on escort duty, with a view to clagging up, in particular, Glasgow Sheriff Court? What consideration has he given to the judicial implications of that action?

The Lord Advocate

That matter is not for me but for my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland, who will have heard what the hon. Gentleman said.