§ 37. Mr. Hendersonasked the Solicitor-General for Scotland if he will arrange for regular meetings with the procurators fiscal to discuss prosecution policies.
§ The Solicitor-General for ScotlandProsecution policy is discussed at monthly meetings between the Crown Agent and regional procurators fiscal who, in turn, meet regularly with their district fiscals. Additionally, the law officers and the Crown Agent visit individual procurators fiscal in their offices from time to time and meet them in the Crown Office.
§ Mr. HendersonIs my hon. and learned Friend aware that his meeting on Saturday with solicitors in Cupar was extremely useful? Is he able to say whether complaints against police and prison officers, while being rigorously pursued, could result in prosecutions if they are found to be malicious or frivolous?
§ The Solicitor-General for ScotlandYes. Particular arrangements are set out for complaints that are made against the police. They are dealt with at local level and they are also reported to the Crown Office. By the same token, to ensure that we are even handed, if the view is taken that the complaint is malicious or is wasting the time of the police, in turn the complaint, if there is sufficient evidence against him, may find himself being prosecuted.
§ Mr. PollockIs my hon. and learned Friend able to tell the House whether are not the fiscal's offices within the sheriffdom of Grampian and the Highlands are adequately staffed for the purposes required of them?
The Solicitor-General of ScotlandAt present, there is no significant shortfall of either legal or non-legal staff within the area. There are certain problems with regard to accommodation in fiscal offices in Scotland, though not particularly in Grampian. However, where there are deficiencies, we hope that shortly they will be remedied.