§ 36. Mr. Canavanasked the Solicitor-General for Scotland whether prosecutions are still being considered following complaints against consultants and specialists alleged to have been misappropriating equipment and other resources which are the property of the National Health Service for their own material gain within their private practice.
§ The Solicitor-General for ScotlandYes, Sir. One such case is being considered by Crown counsel at present.
§ Mr. CanavanIs the Solicitor-General for Scotland aware that it is now over a year since I first raised the matter in the Scottish Grand Committee, and that six months have passed since I sent to the Lord Advocate prima facie evidence to the effect that five consultants within the Forth valley health board area had been breaking the law in this regard? Is it not a deplorable case of double standards, in that a hospital worker can be 231 sacked for allegedly stealing a couple of apples from the hospital canteen while highly paid consultants seem to get away with stealing the equivalent of about £1,500 from the National Health Service?
§ The Solicitor-General for ScotlandI consider it wholly improper to make any comment on a case where investigations into alleged criminal activities are under way. It is clear that the hon. Gentleman does not have the same scruples. However, the matter has been considered by the procurator fiscal, who sent a lengthy report to Crown counsel, who are now considering it. I shall certainly advise the hon. Gentleman once a decision has been taken.
§ Mr. LambieWill the hon. and learned Gentleman bring the House up to date about what is happening in the investigation into the irregularities being practised by some consultants in the Ayrshire and Arran health board area?
§ The Solicitor-General for ScotlandI do not understand the question. I wrote to the hon. Gentleman some six months ago giving him the decision by Crown counsel in that respect.
§ Mr. SpeakerOrder. I now propose to allow the two minutes extra that I promised earlier.