HC Deb 14 April 1965 vol 710 cc195-6W
18. Mr. Hannan

asked the Secretary of Slate for Scotland if he is aware of the large number of cases appearing at Glasgow courts where a delay of four to six months elapses between the date of the alleged offence and the first diet and also between that diet and date of the trial; and what progress is being made in the provision of extra court accommodation and qualified personnel to improve the present situation.

Mr. Willis

My right hon. Friend agrees that the time taken in some criminal proceedings in Glasgow is too long. As regards the second part of the Question, the Sheriff Court has now taken over additional accommodation in Lanarkshire House, and an additional stipendiary magistrate is being appointed in the burgh court. The Lord Advocate and my right hon. Friend are prepared to consider any further steps on our part that may help to ease the position.