§ Mr. Hannanasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what decision he has reached on the recommendation by the Scottish Law Commission that Scottish criminal procedure should be examined by a departmental committee.
§ Mr. RossMy noble Friend the Lord Advocate and I have decided to appoint a Departmental Committee to consider Scottish criminal procedure, with the following terms of reference:—
To examine trial and pre-trial procedures in Scotland (including appeal procedures) for the prosecution of persons accused of crimes and offences; and to report whether, having regard to the prevention of crime on the one hand and to the need for fairness to accused persons on the other hand, any changes of law or practice are required.We are very glad that Lord Thomson, a Lord Commissioner of Justiciary, has accepted our invitation to serve as Chairman of the Committee. The full membership of the Committee will be announced later.