§ Mr. McMasterTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many temporary sheriffs hold commissions to serve in sheriff courts in Scotland; how many sessions were undertaken by temporary sheriffs in each of the past five years; how many temporary sheriffs were employed in the Scottish courts for more than 80 per cent. of the available court sitting days in each of the past five years; what is the current daily rate paid to a temporary sheriff; what was the total cost to his Department of temporary sheriffs during the same period; and if he will make a statement.
§ Lord James Douglas-Hamilton[holding answer 21 April 1994]: One hundred and seven temporary sheriffs hold commissions to serve in sheriff courts in Scotland. The current daily fee paid to temporary sheriffs is £246. Information is provided on the number of sitting days undertaken, the usage made of temporary sheriffs and the total costs.
Court sitting days provided by temporary sheriffs Number 1989 4,046 1990 4,236 1991 5,147 1992 6,093 1993 6,660
Number of temporary sheriffs who sat for more than 80 per cent. of available sitting days Number 1989 0 1990 3 1991 3 1992 5 1993 4
Total costs (£) 1989–90 950,000 1990–91 952,000 1991–92 1,512,000 1992–93 2,041,000 1993–94 2,308,000 The services of temporary sheriffs have contributed significantly to reducing inconvenience to court users resulting from cancellation of court sittings and to avoiding increases in court delays due to increases in workloads. The average waiting period for summary criminal trials at the end of 1993 was the lowest recorded over the past five years.