Public Defence Solicitors Officer

HC Deb 24 November 2000 vol 357 cc342-3W

Mr. Gamier

To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what assessment he has made of the Public Defence Solicitors Officer pilot scheme in Edinburgh. [140176]

Mr. Lock

An on-going assessment by a team of researchers is being made of the PDSO pilot scheme in Edinburgh for the Scottish Executive. Account will continue to be taken of the results of the research programme into this office as they emerge. Although, the detailed scope and nature of the Edinburgh pilot is different to the proposals made for England and Wales, both my officials and I have visited Edinburgh to ensure that we are able to learn from their experience.

I have visited the Scottish pilot Public Defence Solicitors Office in Edinburgh and was impressed by their professionalism, commitment and effectiveness, views which were endorsed by my discussions with the local judiciary.