HC Deb 18 July 1984 vol 64 cc311-2
38. Mr. Malone

asked the Solicitor-General for Scotland if he is satisfied with the arrangements for prosecuting criminal offenders in Aberdeen.

The Solicitor-General for Scotland

I am satisfied with the arrangements for prosecuting offenders in Aberdeen.

Mr. Malone

Is my hon. and learned Friend aware that there is considerable disquiet in Aberdeen district council, which has to provide court facilities for prosecution in Aberdeen district court, that those court facilities are becoming extended, particularly because the terms of the Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982 must be implemented? Will my hon. and learned Friend urge the Under-Secretary, our hon. Friend the Member for Edinburgh, South (Mr. Ancram), who is presently conducting talks with Aberdeen district council about the provision of those new facilities, to take a constructive view of the representations that are being made to him so that the prosecution of criminal offenders at district level is not impaired?

The Solicitor-General for Scotland

I am aware that at present several physical difficulties confront those involved in conducting sittings of district courts, sheriff courts or the High Court. With regard to the High Court, as I think my hon. Friend appreciates, because of improvements that are being made and because of modernisation, several sittings have had to be transferred to Peterhead and Stonehaven. I hope that as soon as possible we shall be able to return to the regular practice of sittings in Aberdeen.