§ 45. Mr. Fairbairnasked the Solicitor-General for Scotland on how many days the north and south courts in Glasgow were used for High Court prosecutions in 1956, 1966, 1976 and 1986; and if he will estimate trends over the next 10 years.
§ The Solicitor-General for ScotlandThe figures are 55, 143, 250 and 425 days respectively. In addition, in 1986 the High Court sat in other courts in Glasgow on 190 days. It is not practicable to make detailed estimates of trends over the next 10 years.
§ Mr. FairbairnIn view of the escalating figures that my hon. and learned Friend has given to the House, does he recall that when we have both been prosecuting or defending major cases in the High Court in Glasgow, we sometimes had to be unnecessarily close to one another? Will he use his influence with the Secretary of State, who may have a more distant recollection of those matters, and suggest that if we go for option 1 for the High Court we would foreclose the possibility of enlarging those courts, and persuade him to go for option 2, so that he and I will never have to be so close together that we fall out?
§ The Solicitor-General for ScotlandI am aware of the views that my hon. and learned Friend has expressed about the redevelopment of the judiciary buildings in Glasgow. He clearly appreciates that it is essential) y a matter for my right hon. and learned Friend the Secretary of State, who, as he knows, has consulted on plans to increase the number of court rooms. I and my right hon. and learned Friend are aware of my hon. and learned Friend's views.