§ Mr. W. GRAHAMasked the Secretary for Scotland whether his attention has been called to the case of Mrs. O'Kane, recently charged with culpable homicide in Glasgow, and to the observations of the Lord Advocate for Scotland on the case, indicating that it was a defect in the Scottish criminal system that the sheriff had not the same power to remit a prisoner for sentence to the High Court, after the prisoner has been convicted on indictment by the verdict of a jury, as is permitted when a prisoner pleads guilty under Section 31 of the Criminal Procedure (Scotland) Act; and whether, having regard to the widespread feeling in connection with this case; he is prepared to introduce legislation to provide this reform?
§ Mr. MUNROThe answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. As regards the second part, the matter is under consideration.