§ 73. Mr. Hannanasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he is aware of the dispute between the Glasgow police, advocates and solicitors in respect of administration of legal aid and of court procedures; whether he has received any official representations from any of their organisations and if he will initiate consultations between the disputants to avoid any further deterioration of public confidence in the administration of the law.
§ Mr. RossI am aware of criticisms that have been voiced on these matters, but have received no representations from interested organisations. I am inviting the Law Society of Scotland to review the working of the criminal legal aid scheme after its first two years of operation with particular reference to practical difficulties and I am confident the Society will take into account all expressions of opinion from responsible quarters. As regards court proceedings, I shall be glad to consider, in consultation with the Lord Advocate, any representations that may be made to me.