HC Deb 04 July 1979 vol 969 cc1373-4
35. Mr. Dalyell

asked the Solicitor-General for Scotland whether, in the light of the 70-minute interview which his noble and learned Friend gave to the hon. Member for West Lothian and ex-police sergeant William Jamieson of Bo'ness on Friday 25 May 1978, he has any proposals for reform of the stated case procedure.

The Solicitor-General for Scotland

The Thomson committee made recommendations on reform of the stated case procedure in its third report. As the hon. Member is aware, it is the intention of my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland to introduce major criminal justice legislation later in this Session, and reform of summary appeal procedure is high on the list of possible subjects for inclusion.

Mr. Dalyell

Should not amendments and the reasons for their rejection, at least be known in written form to any court of appeal?

The Solicitor-General for Scotland

As the hon. Gentleman will be aware, that was and is, I think, the only suggested reform capable of ensuring that this difficulty could be averted. Accordingly, it is my hope that in the criminal justice legislation the revised appeal procedure will ensure that if a sheriff rejects any amendments proposed by those who have asked for a stated case—namely, the appellant—they will form part of the stated case, as will the reasons for their rejection. Thus the appeal court will be able to adjudicate and make what I hope will be a fairer appeal system.