HC Deb 15 January 2002 vol 378 cc143-4
26. Miss Anne McIntosh (Vale of York)

When she last had discussions with the Scottish Executive on human rights cases involving devolution. [25040]

The Advocate-General

My officials and I have discussions with the Scottish Executive when necessary about devolution issues that raise human rights points.

Miss McIntosh

Following my supplementary question on the same point during Question Time last month, will the hon. and learned Lady confirm that she intervened in 20 cases? Rather than simply saying that she has saved money, will she explain, without false modesty, what added value she has brought to her position?

The Advocate-General

I think it was 20 cases—I thought I had written to the hon. Lady about that. I shall give her the exact figure, which is in that region. I cannot go through the whole 20 cases now, but I intervene in cases for a range of reasons. For example, I might wish to bring to the court's attention the position of the law in England and Wales. In the misuse of drugs legislation, it was important to clarify the position and its effect in England and Wales. The reasons therefore differ in the 20 cases. I am more than happy to hold informal discussions with the hon. Lady about them.