§ 43. Mr. Wallaceasked the Solicitor-General for Scotland on how many occasions since his appointment the Lord Advocate has personally appeared in court in (a) criminal and (b) civil cases.
§ The Solicitor-General for Scotland (Mr. Peter Fraser)My noble and learned Friend, the Lord Advocate, has spent 42 days in court engaged in criminal cases, and eight days engaged in civil business.
§ Mr. WallaceWill the Solicitor-General confirm that at least one of those days spent on civil business was in the action to determine ownership of the assets of the Trustee Savings Bank? Rather than the Lord Advocate spending another day, or more, next year arguing the appeal before the Inner House, would it not be better for the Government, even at this late stage, to accept Lord Davidson's judgment and abandon any attempt to deprive the depositors of Scotland of their assets?
§ The Solicitor-General for ScotlandI can confirm that the Lord Advocate appeared in the TSB case, principally because he was the respondent in the petition. However, it would be wholly inappropriate to make any further observations on the case, because an appeal has now been marked.
§ Mr. Bill WalkerDoes my hon. and learned Friend agree that it is good that the Lord Advocate should spend time in court, so that he keeps in touch with the affairs of the law, as well as spending time in the other place, where he must ensure that new laws are implemented?
§ The Solicitor-General for ScotlandYes, both my noble and learned Friend the Lord Advocate and I believe 916 that it is appropriate for Law Officers to be in criminal and civil courts to ensure that we are in touch with the legal affairs of Scotland. For the record, I was in court on 65 days.