§ Mr. DalyellTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, pursuant to his answer of 2 February, c.177, when he hopes to complete his consideration of proposals to save police time in court and of the problem of counter-notices.
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§ Lord James Douglas-Hamilton[holding answer 17 February 1993]: Consideration of the use of police time at court is only part of a continuing and wider consideration of the operation of current procedures for criminal trials. The Government are determined to maintain, and where possible, improve the high standard of the criminal justice system in Scotland. A number of initiatives has already been taken, including the provision of police witness statements to defence solicitors, which has reduced the demands on police time in the preparation for trial. A review of court programming conducted by Sheriff Principal Nicholson and Sheriff Cox to establish measures for improving court efficiency and providing the best possible service to court users is nearing completion. We are reviewing the scope for changes to the laws of procedure and evidence to secure further improvements. A standing committee on criminal procedure chaired by Lord MacLean has been reviewing the operation of the Criminal Procedure (Scotland) Act 1975. Proposals arising from these reviews will be brought forward for consultation later in the year.
§ Mr. Menzies CampbellTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what steps he proposes to take to reduce the amount of police time and resources caused by unnecessary attendance at court for the purpose of giving evidence; and what financial assessment he has made of the cost at the time and resources involved.
§ Lord James Douglas-Hamilton[holding answer 17 February 1993]: Several steps are being taken. The provision of police witness statements to defence solicitors has already saved police time in the pre-trial period. A review of court programming conducted by Sheriff Principal Nicholson to establish measures for improving efficiency and provide the best possible service for all court users is nearing completion. We are reviewing the scope for changes to the laws of evidence and procedure to secure further improvements. A Standing Committee on Criminal Procedure chaired by Lord MacLean has been reviewing the operation of the Criminal Procedure (Scotland) Act 1975. Proposals arising from these reviews will be brought forward for public consultation later in the year.
The Scottish Office has not undertaken a separate assessment of the costs of police attendance at court. The recent report by the Commission for Local Authority Accounts in Scotland on police waiting time at court included an estimate that the cost of police discharging their statutory duty to attend court to give evidence is some £7.8 million per year.