§ Mr. McAllionTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland in respect of how many of those refusing to pay tolls on the Skye Bridge a decision was taken not to prosecute. [37562]
§ Mr. McLeishThe Procurator Fiscal at Dingwall has decided to take no proceedings against 133 individuals in respect of 188 charges of an alleged refusal to pay the tolls.
240WIn addition, 138 people (some of whom may also be included in the figure of 133 above) were prosecuted for refusing to pay the tolls. The charges against these people were contained in 324 summary complaints. The Procurator Fiscal decided to take no further proceedings in relation to 177 of those complaints.
§ Mr. McAllionTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what has been the cost to public funds arising from the legal action taken against those refusing to pay tolls on the Skye Bridge. [37560]
§ Mr. McLeishExpenditure has been incurred by various Government Departments in relation to the prosecutions of those persons refusing to pay tolls on the Skye Bridge.
The Scottish Court Service incurred additional costs for the provision of temporary shrieval cover amounting in total to £15,000. The Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service engaged casual administrative and legal staff at a cost of approximately £11,500. Expenses were also incurred in respect of civilian witnesses who attended to give evidence at the trials. The cost of the expenditure on these witnesses could not be made available without disproportionate cost.
The Northern Constabulary have incurred costs of £6,661 in relation to releasing police constables to attend at trials to give evidence.
The Scottish Legal Aid Board have paid out £1,708.03 in settlement of legal aid accounts. Further accounts totalling £12,500 have been submitted and are under consideration.
§ Mr. McAllionTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many people were(a) prosecuted, (b) fined and (c) imprisoned for refusing to pay tolls on the new Skye Bridge. [37561]
§ Mr. McLeishIn the period to 8 April 1998 138 people were prosecuted for refusing to pay tolls on the new Skye Bridge. The charges against them were contained in 324 summary complaints. 128 of those prosecuted were fined.
No one has been imprisoned for refusing to pay tolls on the Bridge.