Procurator Fiscal (Kilmarnock) (Hansard, 22 October 1986)

§ 39. Mr. McKelvey
asked the Solicitor-General for Scotland when he expects to meet the procurator fiscal at Kilmarnock to discuss staffing levels.

§ The Solicitor-General for Scotland
I have no plans to meet the procurator fiscal at Kilmarnock to discuss staffing levels, which are kept under review by the Crown Agent, who has, in the first instance, responsibility for those matters.

§ Mr. McKelvey
If the Solicitor-General has an opportunity to visit Kilmarnock, I am sure that he will enjoy it. Should he meet the procurator fiscal and discuss staffing levels with him, he will find that they are almost up to the required level, but that the accommodation is somewhat overcrowded. Will the hon. and learned Gentleman carry to Kilmarnock and the procurator fiscal the good news that some money will be provided for the refurbishment of the old Kilmarnock court so that accommodation can be made available in that building for the procurator fiscal's staff?

§ The Solicitor-General for Scotland
As the hon. Gentleman says, the staff in Kilmarnock are one short, which is expected to be made up in the very near future. As he will also appreciate, I am aware that there are also accommodation difficulties in Kilmarnock, particularly in relation to the sheriff court, but I think he will readily accept that what is more important is that we ensure that there is proper representation for the procurator fiscal in Kilmarnock and that he has adequate staff. I hope that the hon. Gentleman will agree that at present that is so.

§ Mr. Speaker
We now go back to question No. 14. Sir Hector Monro.

§ Mr. McKelvey
On a point of order, Mr. Speaker. I see that I have the next question—No. 40.

§ Mr. Speaker
That question is to the Paymaster General, but today the questions are to the Solicitor-General for Scotland and the Secretary of State for Scotland.

§ Mr. McKelvey
Further to that point of order, Mr. Speaker.

§ Mr. Speaker
Order. Allow me to deal with it afterwards.