§ 36. Mr. Canavanasked the Solicitor-General for Scotland when he expects next to meet representatives of the Faculty of Advocates.
§ The Solicitor-General for ScotlandI have no plans to meet representatives of the Faculty of Advocates officially, although I meet the officers and other members of the faculty from time to time.
§ Mr. CanavanWill the Solicitor-General take a few hints from some of his more enlightened brother trade unionists in the faculty who are opposed to some of the more Draconian measures in the Criminal Justice (Scotland) Bill? In particular, will he say whether there could be charges of carrying an offensive weapon or carrying liquor into a prohibited place if the Solicitor-General were to go to a football match with his pearl-handled hollow walking stick filled with a secret refreshment for half time?
§ The Solicitor-General for ScotlandI am obliged to the hollow Member for those remarks. He will notice that the Faculty of Advocates was set up to protect the public against those who are union members, not the other way round. Nevertheless, I think that it will be important for the hon. Gentleman, whose rigid views I tolerate and respect, to note that the views of his colleagues who are serving on the Committee considering the Criminal Justice (Scotland) Bill have changed dramatically since they supported identical proposals from the Opposition side.
§ Mr. Peter FraserWhen my hon. and learned Friend meets members of the Faculty of Advocates will he point out that it is not in their long-term interests to resist the movement of divorce proceedings away from the Court of Session? Will he also consider carefully whether a simple transfer to the sheriff court is truly the proper long-term answer to the problem?
§ The Solicitor-General for ScotlandYes. I am obliged to my hon. Friend for asking that question. A number of 280 factors are involved. We are concerned to ensure that, in the matter of consistorial cases, the public have the greatest benefit and the best system at the least price.