§ Mr. DalyellTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, pursuant to his answer of 31 JanuaryOfficial Report, column499, about the lapse of time since the destruction of Flight PA 103, what considerations he has given to implications of the statute of limitations for the prosecutions of those accused of the crime; and if he will make a statement. [13613]
§ Lord James Douglas-HamiltonHaving consulted my noble and learned Friend the Lord Advocate, I can confirm that the only time limits applying in this case are those which commence after the appearance of the accused on petition before a sheriff in Scotland. In terms of section 101 of the Criminal Procedure (Scotland) Act 1975 an overall time limit of 12 months from the date of first appearance until the commencement of the trial would apply. This would also be subject to the custody time limits of(a) 80 days from full committal (which may be up to 10 days after first appearance) within which an indictment must be served and of (b) 110 days from full committal, within which time the trial must commence.