HC Deb 20 December 1957 vol 580 cc130-1W
Mr. M. Clark Hutchison

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland to what extent he has considered the provisions for legal aid in connection with criminal proceedings contained in the Legal Aid (Scotland) Act, 1949; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Maclay

My right hon. and learned Friend, the Lord Advocate and I have decided that an inquiry into this matter is desirable and I have appointed a Committee with the following terms of referenceTo review the provisions of the Legal Aid (Scotland) Act, 1949, so far as they relate to criminal proceedings and to consider whether and if so to what extent, they should be varied in the light of the experience gained of the operation of that Act in relation to civil proceedings and of any other relevant circumstances.

Lord Guthrie has accepted the Chairmanship and the other members are:

  • J. N. Dandie, Esq., M.C.
  • William Dick, Esq., O.B.E.
  • Rev. H. O. Douglas.
  • W. Glennie, Esq., C.B.E., M.M.
  • H. G. Hay, Esq.
  • John Hill, Esq., O.B.E.
  • T P. McDonald, Esq., Q.C.
  • Joseph Mellick, Esq.
  • H. Forbes Murphy, Esq., C.A.
  • G. S. Reid, Esq.
  • E. G. F. Stewart, Esq., M.C.

I am most grateful to the Chairman and members of the Committee for agreeing to serve.