§ 17. Mr. Tam Dalyell (Linlithgow) (Lab)What human rights issues she has considered since 25 May. [180248]
§ The Advocate-General for Scotland (Dr. Lynda Clark)In addition to the human rights issues raised in the devolution issue minutes to which I referred some moments ago, as a matter of routine such matters were 144 considered by me in my role under section 33 of the Scotland Act 1998 and in my capacity as a United Kingdom Law Officer.
§ Mr. DalyellGiven that Mr. Eddie McKechnie, acting in furtherance of the human rights of Mr. Megrahi, is hopeful that the Scottish Criminal Cases Review Commission is giving the most serious and painstaking consideration to that complex case, does my hon. and learned Friend think that the House of Commons will have a role when the commission reports? I do not criticise Members of the Scottish Parliament, but it is clear that none of them have bothered to become immersed in what is a very complex issue.
§ The Advocate-General for ScotlandI am sure that many Members of this Parliament, as individuals, will read the commission's report with great interest when it is available. I think that these matters will generally be regarded as devolved, but I am sure that, with his great experience, my hon. Friend will find a way of raising the issues that concern him in the House.
§ Mr. Patrick McLoughlin (West Derbyshire) (Con)Will the Advocate-General review the answers that she has given in the House over the past six months? Does she believe that her Question Time has added anything to parliamentary accountability?
§ The Advocate-General for ScotlandI think that Question Time has resulted in a most interesting and stimulating debate. I have certainly enjoyed it. I am particularly grateful to Opposition Members, who have raised so many questions with me. I shall be delighted to review the answers, but I remind Members that the conventions which prohibit me from giving details of opinions are not created by me—they are long-standing conventions, which Members have also supported.