§ 34. Mr. Teddy Taylorasked the Lord Advocate when he next intends to visit Glasgow Sheriff Court.
§ The Lord AdvocateI have no immediate plans to visit Glasgow Sheriff Court.
§ Mr. TaylorIs 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 AdvocateAlthough 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. ReidIs 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 AdvocateThat 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.