Value for Money (Hansard, 11 June 2002)

§ 29. Mr. Alistair Carmichael (Orkney and Shetland)
What measures she is taking to improve value for money in her Department. [57407]

§ The Advocate-General for Scotland (Dr. Lynda Clark)
As the first Advocate-General for Scotland, I have been keen to ensure the most efficient use of public money, and I think that this has been achieved. My office provides a range of legal services to Government Departments, including litigation, advisory work, preparation of legislation and formal Law Officer opinions, and it does all that with 19 lawyers plus support staff. The hon. Gentleman can be assured that my officials and I give very good value for money.

§ Mr. Carmichael
Would the Advocate-General care to comment on reports that came to my office recently that she had a full set of session cases transported from Edinburgh to London simply for the purpose of a photo opportunity and that it was then repacked and sent back to Edinburgh? Is that the case and, if so, does she consider that to be value for money?

The Advocate-General
It certainly was not a photo opportunity involving me. I have no knowledge of that. [Interruption.]

§ Mr. Speaker
Order.