§ 42. Mr. Menzies Campbellasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what proposals he has for the more speedy conduct of business in the Court of Session and the High Court of Justiciary.
§ Lord James Douglas-HamiltonThe report of the review body on the use of judicial time in the superior courts in Scotland, chaired by Lord Maxwell, which was published on 18 July 1986, made a number of recommendations aimed at securing the speedy disposal of business in the supreme courts. The recommendations mainly fell within the responsibility of the Lord President of the Court of Session, and must have been or are being implemented. The Criminal Justice (Scotland) Act 1987 introduces a simplified procedure for arranging sittings of the High Court of Justiciary and increases the sentencing powers of a sheriff in solemn proceedings. In addition, the Maximum Number of Judges (Scotland) Order 1986 increased the number of judges from 23 to 24. All of these measures should help to improve the disposal of business in the supreme courts.